More than 6.6 million people attended events with Pope Francis at the Vatican from his election in March to the end of 2013, according to figures released on Thursday, Reuters reported. By contrast, Pope Benedict drew 2.3 million in all of 2012. The Vatican said the figures were based on tickets issued for papal events as well as estimates for events that didn't require tickets, like his weekly appearance from a window overlooking St. Peter's Square. However, the Vatican said the number did not include the crowds that turned out to see the pope during his trips to Brazil, and to Assisi and Lampedusa in Italy.
