US Secretary of State Rubio to Meet Pope Leo in Rome Amid Trump Fallout
On Thursday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet Pope Leo XIV in Rome, following a dispute between the pontiff and President Donald Trump regarding anti-war statements. Italian media, supported by a Vatican source, report that this meeting seeks to improve relations. In addition, Rubio will engage with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. Although he sought a discussion with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a Trump ally, she distanced herself after supporting the pope. This visit takes place amid escalating tensions in transatlantic relations concerning the conflict in the Middle East.
Key facts
- Marco Rubio will meet Pope Leo XIV in Rome on Thursday.
- The meeting follows Trump's criticism of the pope's anti-war rhetoric.
- Italian media report the visit aims to 'thaw' relations.
- Rubio will also meet Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.
- Rubio will meet Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
- Rubio will meet Defense Minister Guido Crosetto.
- Rubio requested a meeting with PM Giorgia Meloni, who turned on him after defending the pope.
- The visit occurs amid transatlantic rifts over the Middle East war.
Entities
Institutions
- Vatican
- Agence France-Presse
- South China Morning Post
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- United States