Marco Rubio is set to visit Rome and the Vatican City this week, as efforts intensify to ease strained relations following sharp criticism of Pope Leo XIV by Donald Trump.
According to an Italian government source, Rubio is expected to meet Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Media reports suggest he may also hold talks with the pope, although this has not been officially confirmed.
The visit comes amid reports that Rubio, a Catholic, is seeking to help “thaw” tensions sparked by Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo’s anti-war stance. The pope had condemned threats against Iran and urged peace, drawing a strong backlash from the US president.
Rubio is also expected to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who publicly defended the pope and subsequently faced criticism from Trump. Talks may extend to Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, reflecting broader tensions between the United States and European allies over the Middle East conflict.
Pope Leo, who marks one year as head of the Catholic Church this week, has taken a vocal stance against war, including criticism of recent US-Israeli military actions. His remarks have amplified friction with Washington, even as he insists on a moral obligation to speak out.
The diplomatic engagements in Rome and the Vatican are seen as part of wider efforts to stabilise transatlantic relations, which have been further strained by disputes over security commitments, including potential US troop withdrawals from Europe.