Manny Ita –
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the Holy See on Thursday in a bid to reinforce ties with Pope Leo XIV after weeks of public tension between the pontiff and President Donald Trump.
Rubio, a Catholic, met privately with Pope Leo and later held talks with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. According to the U.S. State Department, discussions focused on peace efforts in the Middle East, humanitarian issues in the Western Hemisphere, and cooperation on religious freedom.
Relations between Trump and the Pope have been strained following disagreements over immigration policies and the Iran conflict. Trump had accused the pontiff of being weak on terrorism and Iran, while Pope Leo repeatedly stressed that the Church’s mission is to promote peace and oppose war.
Cardinal Parolin also criticized Trump’s attacks on the Pope, describing the remarks as inappropriate. Rubio acknowledged recent tensions but said the Vatican visit had long been planned.
During the meeting, Rubio presented Pope Leo with a crystal football souvenir referencing the Pope’s support for Chicago baseball, while the pontiff gifted Rubio an olive-wood pen symbolizing peace and a Vatican art book.
Rubio is also expected to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani amid broader disagreements over the Iran war and NATO relations.
Analysts suggested Rubio’s diplomatic outreach may also serve his own political ambitions ahead of future U.S. elections, as speculation grows about the 2028 presidential race.
Cuba was another issue raised during the Vatican discussions, with the Holy See reportedly concerned over Trump administration rhetoric hinting at possible action against Havana after unrest in Venezuela. Rubio said the U.S. had attempted to send humanitarian aid to Cuba through the Catholic Church after distribution challenges with Cuban authorities.
