Peru: People walk near a banner with an image of Pope Francis on the facade of the cathedral in Lima, Peru. On January 15, Pope Francis will begin a six-day visit to Chile and Peru.

Kilkenny: Bishop elect Monsignor Dermot Farrell greets students from St Kieran’s College following the announcement that he is to be the next bishop of the Diocese of Ossory.

Italy: Pope Francis greets a patient during an unannounced visit to children at the Palidoro Bambino Gesu Hospital, in Fiumicino, outside Rome.

Kilkenny: Bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Ossory, Fr Laurence Forristal, with Caroline Cummins and Margaret Logue who work for the parish of St Canice in Kilkenny.

Italy: Choir members from US parishes sing in an Epiphany Festival concert at the Church of St Ignatius in Rome. Choirs from the parishes of St Matthew and Mother Teresa of Calcutta in Topeka, Kansas, and the children’s choir from the Diocese of Orange, California performed at the concert.

Egypt: A clergyman reacts at the site of an attack on the Coptic Orthodox Church of Mar Mina in Helwan, near Cairo. At least nine people were killed in attacks on the church and a Christian-owned shop, authorities said.

Antrim: Pupils from the Confirmation Class in St James’ PS Whiteabbey, attending an ‘Advent Amoris Retreat’ given by young leaders from St Louis House, West Belfast as part of their commitment to sharing the Good News with other primary schools.

Ethan and Rebecca Moore from Dublin add gifts to the collection at the Pro Cathedral which is taking unwanted Christmas gifts and will pass them to Crosscare (the Dublin Diocesan Social Care Agency). These will be redistributed this time next year to people living in their homeless services. Photo: John McElroy

Children dressed as the Three Kings walk to their seats after presenting the offertory gifts during Pope Francis’ celebration of Mass in St Peter’s Basilica on January 1, marking the feast of Mary, Mother of God. Photo: CNS

Dublin: Archbishop Diarmuid Martin greets Romao and Gleen Libuna after the Christmas morning Mass in the Pro Cathedral, which was attended by President Michael D. Higgins.Photo: John McElroy.