NewsPBS NewsHourMay 5, 2026United States
Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Brief White House Press and Travel to Vatican
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to hold a White House press briefing today at 3 p.m. EDT and will travel to Rome and Vatican City later this week to meet with Pope Leo XIV. The trip aims to address diplomatic tensions between the Trump administration and the Vatican regarding Middle East policies.
Read the full story at PBS NewsHourWhy It Matters
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is acting as a temporary White House spokesperson while Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is on leave, and his upcoming diplomatic mission to the Vatican represents a high-level effort to manage international relations during the ongoing Iran war.
Key Facts
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to hold a White House briefing at 3 p.m. EDT on May 5, 2026.
- Rubio will travel to Rome and Vatican City later this week, specifically on Thursday and Friday.
- Rubio is scheduled to meet with Pope Leo XIV on Thursday.
- Rubio is filling in for White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who is on maternity leave.
- The diplomatic trip aims to discuss the situation in the Middle East and interests in the Western Hemisphere.
- Rubio will also meet with Italian officials to discuss security interests and strategic alignment.
- This trip marks Rubio's third visit to Italy or the Vatican as Secretary of State.
- Rubio currently holds multiple roles, including Secretary of State and National Security Adviser.
Who's Mentioned
personMarco Rubio“Secretary of State, National Security Adviser, and temporary White House spokesp”organizationState Department“U.S. government agency managing foreign affairs.”personDonald Trump“President of the United States.”locationWhite House“Executive office of the President.”personKaroline Leavitt“White House Press Secretary currently on leave.”personPope Leo XIV“The first American pontiff.”