Marco Rubio on Thursday met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican to discuss the growing situation in the Middle East and other global concerns.
According to the U.S. State Department, the meeting focused on issues of shared interest between the United States and the Holy See, while also reaffirming both sides’ commitment to peace, diplomacy, and the protection of human dignity.
Rubio, a practicing Catholic, also held talks with Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Discussions during that meeting reportedly centered on international cooperation, ongoing global challenges, and possible pathways toward lasting peace in the Middle East.
The Vatican engagement comes amid recent tensions involving Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV. Relations between both figures reportedly became strained following public criticism linked to the conflict involving Iran, which gained wider attention after a recent report by 60 Minutes highlighted the pontiff’s position on the war.
