12 striking images of Pope Francis' first 12 months

Pope Francis blesses a man in St Peter's Square in November 2013. Credit: ZUMA/REX

Pope Francis has been leading the Catholic Church for a year. Here we look at some of the most striking images of his Papacy so far:

Pope Francis blesses a man who suffers from tumours across his body. Credit: AGF s.r.l./REX

Pope Francis addressed reporters aboard the Papal plane in his first news conference in July, 2013. Credit: RTV

Pope Francis was given a Sunderland shirt by fan who visited Rome in October, 2013. Credit: Twitter/@frlydensmith

Toddler Daniele De Sanctis was greeted with a kiss from the Pope in February. Credit: APTN

The Pope battles the wind as he greets the crowds St Peter's Square in February. Credit: Reuters

A young boy refused to leave Pope Francis' side as he addressed pilgrims in October, 2013. Credit: EBU

Pope Francis became the first pontiff to grace the front cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Credit: Rolling Stone

A young boy places his hand on the head of Pope Francis after making a grab for his skullcap. Credit: REUTERS/Giampiero Sposito

German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends private audience with Pope in May, 2013. Credit: Reuters

The pope holds the baby Jesus statue at the end of the mass on Christmas Eve, 2013. Credit: Reuters