U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a meeting with Pope Leo at the Vatican, focusing on diplomatic matters while addressing fallout from President Donald Trump’s recent criticisms of the American pontiff. Trump had been targeting Leo for his opposition to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, falsely claiming Leo supported Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Leo clarified the Catholic Church’s stance against nuclear weapons, emphasizing a commitment to peace over militarization.
Rubio, a Catholic and Trump’s national security adviser, faced the challenge of downplaying the contentious diplomatic situation, asserting the visit had been planned in advance. Discussions between Rubio and Leo touched on topics such as religious freedom, the Church’s presence in Africa, and humanitarian aid efforts in Cuba. Vatican expert Thomas Reese highlighted the limited common ground between the Vatican and the Trump administration, citing religious freedom as a potential area of cooperation.
Despite the strained relations, Rubio and Leo affirmed their shared dedication to peace and human dignity in the Middle East. The encounter also served a domestic political purpose, aiming to maintain support from conservative Catholic voters ahead of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. Rubio is scheduled to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a former ally of Trump, whose criticism of the president’s clashes with Leo has caused tension. Rubio’s task now is to navigate the political landscape and potentially mend relations with Meloni.