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NewsFox News PoliticsMay 7, 2026United States

Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Meet with Pope Leo and Italian PM Meloni Amid Iran Tensions

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to Rome to meet with Pope Leo and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The trip occurs during a period of heightened diplomatic friction between the Trump administration and international leaders regarding U.S. policy toward Iran and military positioning in Europe.

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Why It Matters

The meetings involve critical negotiations regarding U.S. military presence in Italy and diverging views on Middle East policy, which could impact international security alliances and the status of 13,000 U.S. troops stationed in Italy.

Key Facts

  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit the Vatican and Italy for diplomatic meetings starting Thursday.
  • The U.S. is planning to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany over the next 6 to 12 months.
  • Italy currently hosts approximately 13,000 active-duty American troops across six bases.
  • Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has stated she will not support efforts to reduce the U.S. military presence in Italy.
  • The Vatican has announced it will not participate in President Trump’s Gaza recovery board.
  • President Trump has ordered a military buildup in the Strait of Hormuz, characterizing it as a defensive operation.
  • Pope Leo has publicly criticized the Trump administration's Middle East peacemaking efforts, citing moral concerns.
  • President Trump has stated that Iran cannot be permitted to possess a nuclear weapon.

Who's Mentioned

personMarco Rubio“U.S. Secretary of State leading the diplomatic mission to Rome.”personPope Leo“Head of the Vatican who has expressed concerns regarding U.S. Middle East policy”locationItaly“Host nation for the upcoming diplomatic meetings and U.S. military bases.”locationGermany“Location from which the U.S. plans to withdraw 5,000 troops.”personDonald Trump“U.S. President overseeing current foreign policy and military strategy.”locationIran“Central focus of current U.S. foreign policy pressure and conflict.”personCarlos Gimenez“Republican Representative from Florida commenting on Rubio's performance.”personKaroline Leavitt“White House official currently on maternity leave.”personGiorgia Meloni“Prime Minister of Italy meeting with Secretary Rubio.”