Not only has Time magazine named him Person of the Year 2013, but Pope Francis’ vast popularity has seen even those excluded by the Church applaud him.

This week, the oldest gay magazine in the U.S., Advocate, announced that his Holiness is the “single most influential person of 2013 on the lives of LGBT people.”

High praise indeed... so what do you think? Is the Pontiff deserving of all the accolades?

Here are some of Pope Francis’ best bits in 2013:

 

"Gay? Who am I to judge"

In August Pope Francis visited Brazil and during an 80-minute press conference aboard the flight back to Rome he made a statement that quite rightly made international headlines.

He's partial to the odd "selfie"

Little boy wins Pope's heart (and his seat)

Pope Francis was joined on stage by a little boy as he was addressing thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter's Square back in October.

A young boy wandered onstage as the Pope was speaking. Staff wanted the boy to go back. This is what the Pope did. pic.twitter.com/k0B8vHygP9

— Sean O' Donovan (@henriksen1) October 30, 2013

 

Endeavours to fight child abuse

Pope Francis has said he wants the Catholic Church to "act decisively" to root out sexual abuse of children by priests and ensure the perpetrators are punished.

Party back at mine and everyone's invited!

Just today, for his 77th birthday, four homeless men and their dog were invited to Pope Francis' birthday breakfast