In keeping with similar releases from Yahoo and Google, Facebook has just released its list of the top trends for 2013.

And while twerking and Miley Cyrus dominated other lists, it was Pope Francis that was Facebook's biggest star this year.

Father figure

Pope Francis was the most talked about topic globally on Facebook, followed by Election, Royal Baby, Typhoon and Margaret Thatcher.

For those that are curious, Miley Cyrus clocked in at number eight – ahead of Nelson Mandela in tenth position.

Australia talking

Closer to home, Australia's 12 million Facebook users were most interested in discussing Voting, Princess Kate, Cricket, Kevin Rudd and the Grand Final.

Love is in the air

The top global life event for Facebook users centred around relationships – either adding a relationship, getting engaged or getting married.

This was followed by Travel, Moving, Ending a Relationship and First Meeting a Friend.

Checking in

Facebook users are a diverse group and the places they checked-in were a truly global mix.

The hot spots included Disneyland, the O2 in London, Victoria and Albert Waterfront in Cape Town, The Golden Temple in Punjab and the MCG in Melbourne.

To find out more visit facebookstories.com.

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