US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Thursday, as the Holy See and the United States continue discussions on global conflicts, humanitarian crises, and growing tensions surrounding recent criticism exchanged between President Donald Trump and the American-born pontiff.
According to Vatican News, the meeting took place inside the Apostolic Palace and included what the Holy See Press Office described as “cordial talks.” The Vatican said both sides reaffirmed “the shared commitment to fostering sound bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States of America.”
The Vatican also noted that the discussions focused heavily on international conflicts and humanitarian concerns. According to Vatican News, the two sides exchanged views “regarding situations on the regional and international levels, with particular attention given to countries experiencing war, political tensions and difficult humanitarian situations as well as the need to work tirelessly for peace.” Discussions reportedly included conflicts involving Lebanon, Iran, and several African nations, along with tensions involving Cuba.
The meeting comes at a delicate moment in relations between the Vatican and the Trump administration. According to reporting from The Washington Post, tensions between the White House and Pope Leo XIV have intensified in recent weeks following repeated criticism from President Trump directed at the pontiff over the war in Iran and the Pope’s calls for peace.
The Washington Post reported that Rubio spent roughly two hours at the Vatican, meeting both Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the discussions highlighted the “strong relationship” between the Vatican and Washington, along with a “shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity.”
While both sides publicly emphasized diplomacy and cooperation, reports suggest Vatican officials remain troubled by the tone of recent political attacks against the Pope. According to The Washington Post, one senior Vatican official described the rhetoric directed at Pope Leo as unprecedented, stating, “I don’t think such tones have ever been used.”
The article also noted that Pope Leo XIV has increasingly emerged as a vocal advocate for peace amid escalating international conflicts. The Washington Post described the Pope’s recent evolution from a quieter public figure into a more outspoken defender of peace and critic of war.
For Catholics around the world, the meeting between Rubio and Pope Leo highlights the Church’s continuing diplomatic role in international affairs. The Vatican has long sought to position itself as a voice for peace, dialogue, and humanitarian concern, particularly in regions devastated by war and political instability.
Before the meeting, Cardinal Parolin acknowledged that recent controversies would likely be discussed. According to The Washington Post, he told reporters, “We couldn’t possibly not touch on these topics.”
Rubio, a practicing Catholic, also emphasized the Vatican’s global importance ahead of the visit. “The pope is obviously the vicar of Christ as a Roman Catholic,” Rubio said, according to The Washington Post, “but he’s also the head of a nation-state … and it’s an organization that has a presence in over 100-something countries around the world.”
The Vatican has not indicated whether additional meetings between Pope Leo XIV and American leaders are planned in the near future, but Thursday’s discussions underscored the Holy See’s desire to remain engaged in diplomatic efforts aimed at peace, religious freedom, and humanitarian relief amid ongoing global unrest.
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