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
The story of St David’s Day
Victory for ex-gay Christian who was prosecuted in Malta over 'conversion therapy' comments
Christians praying for Iran after death of Supreme Leader Khamenei
BBC presenter becomes Christian after daughter's mental health crisis
Justice is 'being delivered', say Iranian Christians
Gafcon elects council instead of figurehead to rival Archbishop of Canterbury
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
"I grew up a Christian .. it was just used as a way to break me down, as in ‘Where is your God now? Why has your God forsaken you?” said one rape gang survivor.
Christians in Europe are threatened by Islamist violence and government restrictions.
A local church leader said the latest Middle East conflict would once again prompt the region's Christians to ask themselves whether they should stay or go.
A pro-life organisation is urging the UK government to introduce new legal protections for unborn babies with detectable heartbeats.
