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
European hate speech laws are ‘dangerous’, says politician prosecuted for Christian beliefs
Ex-BBC reporter tells of 'cabal' of journalists who influenced trans coverage
NI conversion therapy ban 'dead in the water' after consultation
Belfast City Council votes again to celebrate abortion after failed attempt
Is religion making a comeback among young Americans? Study urges caution
King Charles honours 400 year old church in Bermuda
The Vatican has announced plans to install showers specifically to be used by homeless people in St Peter's Square.
Want a white Panama hat owned by the pope? Now is your chance.
In a major newspaper interview, the Pope has called for clergy to reconnect with people.
The diplomatic stakes are just too high for a meeting at the moment, writes Mark Woods.
Pope Francis has revealed that an encounter with the Salvation Army when he was just four years old opened his eyes to ecumenism and Christian unity.
Shine Your Light is aiming to mobilise half a million Christians to share the gospel with five million people across the UK this Christmas, with more than 2,000 churches already signed up, organisers say.
The Church of England's uneasiness about the government's ‘conversion practices’ bill is a perfect lesson in the old adage, 'be careful what you wish for,' writes Dr Martin Davie.
An internal Home Office report lists concerns about immigration, multiculturalism and changing social values among the characteristics associated with what it calls "Christian extremism", it has been reported.
Tearfund warns that worsening climate conditions are threatening food production and pushing more people towards hunger.
