Rumours aside, Hollande meets Pope Francis

French president François Hollande met Pope Francis amid tensions in his private life over a gossip magazine’s report about an alleged affair with an actress.

Hollande did not mention the scandal or Valerie Trierweiler, the first lady, in brief remarks to reporters at the Vatican afterwards.

He did not take questions, cancelling a planned press conference in favour of a statement about the issues discussed with Francis: Africa, Syria, refugees, and the environment.