US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Thursday (May 7). to talks focused on the conflict in the Middle East, the humanitarian crisis and broader diplomatic cooperation between Washington and the Holy See.
According to the US State Department, Rubio and the Pope discussed “topics of mutual concern in the Western Hemisphere” as well as the situation in the Middle East.
The meeting comes amid attempts to mend tensions between the Vatican and President Donald Trump following public disagreements over the Iran conflict and immigration policy.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said: “The meeting underscored the strong relationship between the United States and the Holy See and their shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity.
Vatican stresses ‘need to work tirelessly for peace’
The Vatican stated that Pope Leo XIV. and Rubio exchanged views on global conflicts and humanitarian challenges during the discussions.
In an official statement, the Holy See said: “The joint commitment to promote good bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States of America was reaffirmed.
The Vatican added that the two sides discussed countries affected by war and political instability, along with “the need to work tirelessly in favor of peace.”
Rubio also held talks with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin during his more than two-hour visit to the Vatican.
The visit follows a public clash between Trump and the Pope
Rubio’s trip comes after weeks of tension between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV.
The dispute escalated after the Pope criticized the Iran war and expressed disapproval of military escalation in the region. Trump responded with sharp criticism on social media, accusing the pope of being soft on terrorism and weak on security.
Pope Leo later defended his words by saying: “The mission of the church is to preach the gospel, to preach peace. If someone wants to criticize me for preaching the gospel, let them do it with the truth.”
Trump also sparked backlash after he shared an image on social media that appeared to compare him to Jesus Christ, though the post was later deleted.
Rubio defends Trump’s criticism
Rubio said Trump’s criticism of the pope is linked to concerns that Iran could potentially acquire nuclear weapons.
Rubio emphasized that the visit to the Vatican was planned well in advance and was not aimed solely at easing tensions.
A symbolic exchange during the meeting in the Vatican
Footage released by the Vatican showed Pope Leo warmly greeting Rubio at the start of the closed-door meeting.
The Pope formally addressed him as “Mr. Secretary” and shook hands with Rubio, who replied:
Rubio, a Catholic and a potential Republican contender for the 2028 presidential race, presented the pope with a crystal football paperweight bearing the seal of the US State Department.
Rubio joked about the pope’s well-known support of the Chicago White Sox, saying, “You’re more of a baseball guy.”
In return, Pope Leo presented Rubio with a pen made of olive wood.
“Olive is, of course, a plant of peace,” the Pope noted.
Diplomatic tensions remain
The meeting also took place against a backdrop of wider tensions between Washington and Rome over the Iran conflict.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently defended the Pope after Trump publicly criticized him. Italy has also resisted becoming more deeply involved in the conflict, with Rome reportedly denying the US uses certain military facilities for combat operations linked to Iran.
Rubio is expected to meet with Meloni and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Friday.
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