French President Francois Hollande visits pope after Islamic attacks

Hollande arrived at the Vatican for the 40-minute private audience after visiting the French church in Rome's historic center. He told reporters that he wanted to thank Francis
for his solidarity after the July 14 Nice attack and the subsequent slaying of the priest in his church.


Pope Francis and French President Francois Hollande, left, exchange gifts on the occasion of their private audience at the Vatican, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. Hollande is visiting Pope Francis for a special audience after a spate of Islamic extremist attacks over recent months left more than 200 dead, including an elderly French priest.

When Hollande spoke with Francis last month, "he told me in confidence that he was standing like a brother by the side of the French people," the French president said. "All the words that have been said — I'm also thinking of the leaders of the French church— have been very important because they helped remind the French people of their unity ... and also of the solidarity of the whole world toward France."