Pope Leo XIV and Marco Rubio meet at the Vatican, reaffirming peace efforts, U.S.-Holy See ties, and focus on global conflicts.
Newsroom (07/05/2026 Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV held a 45-minute private audience with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday morning at the Vatican, reaffirming a shared commitment to peace and strong bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States.
The meeting, followed by broader discussions in the Secretariat of State, comes at a sensitive moment marked by geopolitical tensions and recent criticism of the pontiff by U.S. President Donald Trump.
At the start of the encounter, the Pope and Rubio exchanged light remarks referencing their previous meeting nearly a year ago. That earlier meeting took place on May 19, shortly after the beginning of Leo XIV’s pontificate, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance also in attendance.
According to a Vatican statement, the talks were “cordial” and emphasized the importance of fostering positive diplomatic ties. Both sides also engaged in an “exchange of views” on global issues, focusing particularly on countries affected by war, political instability, and humanitarian crises.
Particular attention was given to conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, including situations in Lebanon and Iran. The ongoing tensions surrounding Cuba were also discussed, with both sides underscoring the need to support the Cuban population amid strained relations with the United States.
The U.S. Department of State confirmed that the discussions covered “the situation in the Middle East and topics of mutual interest in the Western Hemisphere,” highlighting what it described as a “strong and enduring partnership” between Washington and the Holy See, especially in promoting religious freedom and human dignity.
Following the papal audience, Rubio met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations. These talks focused on humanitarian efforts and initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace, particularly in the Middle East.
The meeting unfolded against a backdrop of recent tensions between Pope Leo XIV and President Trump. The president has criticized the Pope’s stance on the U.S.-led war on Iran and has publicly urged Rubio to convey that “Iran cannot have nuclear weapons.” Trump has also claimed, without evidence, that the Pope supports Iranian nuclear ambitions—an allegation Leo has firmly rejected.
Speaking earlier this week at Castel Gandolfo, the Pope reiterated that the Catholic Church has consistently opposed nuclear weapons. Cardinal Parolin reinforced this position, stating that the Holy See “has always worked, and will continue to work, on nuclear disarmament.”
Despite these tensions, Thursday’s meeting emphasized continuity in diplomatic engagement. Rubio later wrote on X that the meeting highlighted a shared commitment to “promoting peace and human dignity.”
Met with @Pontifex to underscore our shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity. pic.twitter.com/BIZ9SfW5nY
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) May 7, 2026
The visit marked Rubio’s first stop in Italy, where he arrived earlier in the day under tight security. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday.
The Vatican meeting concluded with a traditional exchange of gifts. Rubio presented a crystal rugby ball bearing the seal of the U.S. Department of State, noting the Pope’s known interest in sports. In return, Leo XIV gifted a book on the Apostolic Palace, a photographic volume of the Sistine Chapel, and an olive wood pen, remarking, “The olive tree is a symbol of peace.”
The encounter ended with an official photo and the departure of the U.S. delegation shortly before 2 p.m., closing a visit that underscored both diplomatic continuity and the challenges shaping current international relations.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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