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 history of the Advent calendar
The Christian story behind Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree
Church of England launches its biggest ever Christmas campaign
Church leaders pray for unity in service marking 1,700 years since Council of Nicaea
Princess of Wales to lead Westminster Abbey carol service, celebrating kindness and community
Church in Wales 'road map' for same-sex blessings is 'distressing'
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
The great Cistercian monk St Bernard of Clairvaux spoke of Advent in three distinct senses, and Christian writers and sermons have echoed his insight down the centuries. This the story …
Clergy described burnout, feelings of isolation, diminished morale, and ongoing financial strain.
The Evangelical Alliance (EA) has announced the launch of a new set of resources aimed at introducing the gospel to people of South Asian heritage.
A Samaritan's Purse plane carrying aid to South Sudan was hijacked earlier this week. A suspect has been detained, and no serious injuries are being reported.
