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
Victory for ex-gay Christian who was prosecuted in Malta over 'conversion therapy' comments
Gafcon elects council instead of figurehead to rival Archbishop of Canterbury
Orthodox Anglicans pursue path of 'principled disengagement' from Canterbury-led Communion
The prayer booklet connecting with sceptics
Bishop of Guildford, Andrew Watson, dies from cancer aged 64
Who was St Piran and why is he the patron saint of Cornwall?
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
Holland said he was honoured to take up the role.
A total of 19 Christians have been confirmed dead as a result of a crackdown on anti-government protests.
“The positives are relative to how bad it could have been."
The Online Safety Act may have reduced online pornography, but may also have been used to stifle free speech.
