ROME, Italy — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet Pope Leo XIV this week in a high-level encounter seen as an attempt to ease tensions between the Vatican and US President Donald Trump.
A Vatican source confirmed the meeting would take place on Thursday in Rome, following weeks of strained relations triggered by sharp exchanges between the pontiff and the US president over war and foreign policy.
The visit comes shortly after US President Trump publicly criticised Pope Leo’s anti-war stance, particularly his condemnation of threats against Iran.
The pope had described such rhetoric as “unacceptable” and urged Americans to push their leaders toward peace.
US President Trump responded with unusually direct criticism, calling the pontiff “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” adding that he was “not a big fan” of the Catholic leader.
Despite the tensions, Vatican officials signalled the meeting could help “thaw” relations between Washington and the Holy See.
During his trip, Rubio is also expected to meet Pietro Parolin, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, as diplomatic engagements intensify amid broader geopolitical strains.
He has also sought talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a key Trump ally in Europe, who recently drew criticism from the US president after defending the pope.
“I’m shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong,” Trump said in an interview with Italian media, accusing Meloni of failing to support US positions, particularly within NATO.
The dispute has widened into transatlantic tensions, with US President Trump threatening to withdraw US troops from European bases. He has specifically criticised Italy’s role in the ongoing Middle East conflict and suggested Rome “has not been of any help.”
According to official figures, thousands of US troops remain stationed across Europe, including more than 12,000 in Italy and over 36,000 in Germany, underscoring the strategic importance of the region.
Pope Leo, who became the first American pontiff in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis, has increasingly used his platform to speak against war and advocate for diplomacy.
While his remarks have resonated globally, they have also placed him at odds with segments of the US political establishment.
The pontiff has defended his position, saying he has a “moral duty to speak out” against conflict. He has also clarified that some of his recent remarks, including criticism of “tyrants,” were prepared before the dispute with Trump escalated.
On Sunday, speaking at St Peter’s Square during World Press Freedom Day, Pope Leo broadened his message, highlighting the dangers faced by journalists worldwide.
“Unfortunately, this right is often violated — sometimes blatantly, sometimes in more subtle ways,” he said, urging protection for reporters caught in conflict zones.
The upcoming Rubio–Leo meeting is expected to test whether diplomatic engagement can bridge the growing divide between moral advocacy from the Vatican and strategic priorities from Washington, at a time when global conflicts continue to strain international alliances.
