We deeply admire the (very serious) work of Pope Francis, but it's been a gusty year at the Vatican and the pontiff has struggled more than once to keep hold of his hat. Here's the lighter side of the pope's year in pictures:
1. New take on the dog collar
2. Papa Smurf
3. Peekaboo
4. 'Doh'
5. Call me Kung Fu Francis
6. The flying saucer
7. 'Err... I can't see where I'm going'
8. Blowing his nose
Gafcon elects council instead of figurehead to rival Archbishop of Canterbury
Orthodox Anglicans pursue path of 'principled disengagement' from Canterbury-led Communion
Bishop of Guildford, Andrew Watson, dies from cancer aged 64
Who was St Piran and why is he the patron saint of Cornwall?
Christians lament government's new Islamophobia definition
Iranian Bishop of Chelmsford denounces 'unjust and illegal' war
Vatican to install showers for the homeless in St Peter's Square
Pope to raffle gifts including panama hat, Fiat Panda and espresso machine to raise money for the poor
Pope Francis: Don't proselytise, instead heal the sick and seek the lost
Why Pope Francis won't meet the Dalai Lama
Pope Francis thanks Salvation Army for teaching him about Christian unity as a small boy
Only 47% of Americans say religion is ‘very important’.
I do not recall reading such a strong plug for the Bible and Christian faith in a column covering lifestyle and entertainment.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told 300 delegates at a faith and policy event in London that churches “play an irreplaceable role at the heart of communities.”
Is Jesus at the centre of our lives or somewhere on the margins?
