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It was recently reported in the news in the UK that the number of Catholic nuns has trebled in the past five years, reaching its highest level since 1990. The number of women training to become Catholic nuns in Great Britain has reached a 25 year high. Are we witnessing the so-called ‘Pope Francis effect’? What is the long term trend – are more women becoming nuns? Tim Harford looks at figures from the UK and across the world.

Plus, Matt Parker the stand-up mathematician is invited back to the programme to respond to a listener’s query about his theory on the best way to find a life partner.

(Photo: Nuns pray during a vigil to call for peace in Ukraine, Syria and all countries tormented by persecutions and war. Credit: AP)