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11 December 2013 Last updated at 17:34

Profile Pope Francis is the first Jesuit and first Latin American to lead the Church Pope Francis

The 'fallible' Pope strikes a new chordPope Francis poses for a photo after a meeting with youths in downtown Cagliari, Italy, 22 September 2013

In his first in-depth interview since becoming head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis continues changing the tone at the Vatican, the BBC's David Willey writes.

Unprecedented survey signals far-reaching reform

A survey of ordinary believers' views on sexual ethics signals a potentially ground-breaking change of emphasis for the Roman Catholic Church, the BBC's Robert Pigott says.

Pope holds Brazil Mass for millions

The Pope closes a Roman Catholic youth festival with a Mass on Rio's Copacabana beach, with more than three million people attending.

Background and guides

Red, white and black Smoke colouring and other papal conclave quirks Cardinals walk in procession to the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, at the beginning of the conclave that elected Benedict XVI, file pic from 18 April 2005

Language of religion A glossary of Roman Catholic terms Pope Benedict XVI

Vatican profile The world's smallest independent state Swiss guards at the Vatican

Global Catholics How many are there in the world? Cardinals on the steps of St Peters Basilica

Expert Views

  • Gavin HewittWhere the Conclave really divides

    The key division inside the Conclave is not between liberals and conservatives but over how to run the Church, the BBC's Gavin Hewitt reports.

Features and Analysis