Vatican (TDI: The United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in the Vatican to meet Pope Leo XIV, as disagreements over Iran and immigration have strained relations between the White House and the first American-born pontiff.
The meeting comes after President Donald Trump renewed public criticism of Pope Leo, accusing him earlier this week of being soft on Iran and undermining global security.
Trump claimed the pope’s comments on diplomacy and migration made “the world less safe,” remarks that have drawn criticism from European allies and Catholic leaders.
Rubio, a practicing Catholic who is also serving as Trump’s national security adviser, arrived in Rome for a two-day visit on Thursday; a visit being eyed for repairing ties between Washington and the Holy See.
Vatican officials reportedly expected “frank” discussions during the meeting, particularly over the administration’s support for military action linked to the ongoing Iran conflict.
The dispute between Trump and Pope Leo has escalated in recent weeks as the pontiff repeatedly called for restraint in the Middle East and condemned rhetoric that could fuel wider war.
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The pope has emphasized diplomacy, civilian protection and nuclear disarmament, rejecting suggestions that he supports Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. “The mission is to preach peace,” Leo said in response to Trump’s accusations earlier this week.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, Rubio sought to downplay the feud before the visit, insisting there was no “deep rift” between Washington and the Vatican.
The Vatican meeting also carries political significance in the United States, where Catholic voters remain an influential bloc ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Pope Leo, formerly Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost, has become an outspoken voice on migration and humanitarian issues, positions that have complicated relations with conservative factions aligned with Trump.
Rubio is also scheduled to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit. Meloni, while generally aligned with Trump on several issues, has publicly defended the pope against recent attacks from the White House.
