Francis draws 6.6m to Vatican events

More than 6.6m people attended events with Pope Francis at the Vatican from his election in March to the end of 2013, compared to 2.3m for former Pope Benedict in all of 2012.

The Vatican said the figures were based on the number of tickets issued for papal events where they are needed, such as general audiences, Masses, and private audiences.

They were also based on estimates of the number of people at events where tickets are not needed, such as his weekly appearance from a window overlooking St Peter’s Square.