Marco Rubio Visits Vatican City, Meets Pope Leo XIV

Secretary of State Marco Rubio began a two-day trip to Vatican City and Italy on Thursday, kicking things off with a meeting with Pope Leo XIV. This visit comes shortly after President Trump accused the first American-born pope of “putting a lot of Catholics and a lot of people at risk.”

Pope Leo XIV has openly criticized the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies as well as the conflict in Iran. In response, Trump has fired back, labeling the Pope as “soft on crime and terrible on foreign policy.”

“The Pope focuses on the idea that Iran should have nuclear weapons,” Trump remarked during an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt. “I don’t think that’s a very good thing. He’s putting a lot of Catholics and a lot of people at risk.”

The Pope and his supporters assert that his focus is purely on sharing Biblical teachings, devoid of political intent.

“The Church’s mission is to preach the Gospel and promote peace,” Leo told reporters, adding that any criticism towards him should be met with the truth. He emphasized that the Catholic Church has long opposed nuclear weapons.

While acknowledging the tradition of “just war,” the Pope noted the need to reconsider what war means in today’s context. “I think it’s far better to initiate dialogue rather than to seek weapons,” he stated.

Rubio also had a conversation with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, who mentioned that the U.S. had requested the meeting with Pope Leo. “We can’t overlook the United States,” Parolin remarked, highlighting the importance of U.S. partnership, especially amid various global issues.

Rubio indicated that the Vatican meeting had been on the agenda for quite some time, especially before “something happened,” likely alluding to Trump’s recent comments.

He expressed a desire to address topics like global religious freedom and the Church’s involvement in humanitarian efforts in Cuba during his talks with the Pope.

The tension between the Pope and Trump has also created a divide between the U.S. President and Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, who labeled Trump’s criticism of religious leaders as “unacceptable.” She maintained that it’s essential for the Pope to advocate for peace and condemn war.

In turn, Trump responded negatively towards Meloni’s remarks, referring to her comments as “unacceptable” as well.

Rubio, who identifies as a Catholic, is also set to meet with Meloni and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tagganion on Friday.