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
Charlie Kirk’s assassination exposes the heart of darkness in these troubled times
Charlie Kirk funeral details announced
Charlie Kirk murder suspect in custody
Over 100 Christians massacred by Islamist rebels in eastern Congo
Charlie Kirk's widow pays tribute to 'martyr' husband
Tyler Robinson faces death penalty after being charged with murder of Charlie Kirk
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
A well-meaning letter about the importance of theology in higher education sadly missed an important point about theology!
Resentment within the family proved damaging
As far as we know, the church is not famous for a disproportionate number of mystery murders taking place nearby.
Catholic and civil weddings remain the most popular but humanist ceremonies are becoming increasingly common.
