NewsThe GuardianMay 4, 2026United States
Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Meet Pope Leo at the Vatican
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with Pope Leo at the Vatican this Thursday to discuss diplomatic relations. The visit follows recent public criticism of the Pope by Donald Trump and JD Vance regarding the Pope's stance on the war in Iran.
Read the full story at The GuardianWhy It Matters
This meeting represents a high-level diplomatic effort to address tensions between the US administration and the following public disputes over foreign policy and theology.
Key Facts
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Pope Leo privately at the Vatican on Thursday at 11:30am (10:30 GMT).
- Rubio is scheduled to meet with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
- The visit is intended to address diplomatic relations between Washington and the Holy See.
- A request for a meeting between Rubio and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been made but not yet confirmed.
- The trip coincides with the first anniversary of Pope Leo's papacy.
- Donald Trump recently criticized Pope Leo for his condemnation of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
- JD Vance publicly stated the Vatican should limit its commentary to morality rather than theology and war.
- Trump threatened to withdraw US troops from Italy following Prime Minister Meloni's defense of the Pope.
- Pope Leo will travel to Pompeii and Naples on Friday to celebrate mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary.
Who's Mentioned
personPietro Parolin“Vatican Secretary of State meeting with Rubio.”personMarco Rubio“US Secretary of State traveling to the Vatican.”personPope Leo“The first US-born pope meeting with US officials.”personDonald Trump“US President who recently criticized the Pope.”personAntonio Tajani“Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.”personJD Vance“US Vice-President who criticized the Pope.”personGiorgia Meloni“Italian Prime Minister.”dollar_amount10.30“GMT time of the meeting.”