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
Report warns of continued anti-Christian hostility across Europe during April
Jonathan Fletcher found to have indecently assaulted man
Seismic elections in the UK – the good, the bad and the ugly
The Bohemian queen who was a catalyst for the English Reformation
Christian Reform UK voters 'want their country back'
Church of England celebrates continued post-pandemic growth
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 Church of Scotland General Assembly said it was “grieved beyond telling” for the suffering inflicted.
The history of the Christian Church in mainland China since 1949 is a story characterised by times of dramatic upheaval, near destruction and martyrdom, and unexpected revival.
Bishops in the Church of England have issued a prayer for unity in the UK that asks God's protection from "the perils of division and hatred".
A pastor has hailed a "win for free speech" after police dropped a criminal investigation into him over comments he made about Islam and transgender ideology while street preaching.
