The Holy See announced today that United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be received by Pope Leo XIV this Thursday. The high-profile meeting comes less than a month after President Donald Trump launched harsh criticisms against the American-born pontiff.
The audience is scheduled for 11:30 AM local time at the Apostolic Palace. Leo XIV, the first American Pope in history, has maintained a strained relationship with the Trump administration, recently escalating due to the ongoing conflict in Iran.
On April 7, the Pope labeled Trump’s threat to eliminate “an entire civilization” in the war against Tehran as “unacceptable.” Trump responded by calling the pontiff “weak” and “terrible at foreign policy.”
A week after that exchange, Leo XIV stated he did not fear the administration and had no interest in debating the President, reiterating his commitment to preaching peace.
Read more about this topic: Iran War: Trump asserts “right to disagree” with Pope Leo XIV (with video)
Rubio, a practicing Catholic, is on a mission described by international agencies as an effort to de-escalate tensions between Washington, the Vatican, and the Italian government. In addition to his meeting with the Pope, Rubio’s itinerary includes:
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Vatican State: A meeting with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
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Italian Government: Consultations on Friday with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto.
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Prime Ministerial Meeting: Efforts are underway to organize a sit-down between Rubio and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The diplomatic relationship with Rome has also been tested recently. Trump criticized Meloni—previously a political ally—after she defended the Pope and called the President’s remarks “unacceptable.”
This visit coincides with a landmark week for the Catholic Church. This Friday, May 8, marks exactly one year since the election of Pope Leo XIV. Before Rubio’s arrival on Thursday, the Pope is also scheduled to receive Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
