Italy-US ties strained as pope and Iran war dominate talks

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo at the Vatican on Thursday in a meeting aimed at easing tensions between the United States and the Holy See. The encounter followed President Donald Trump's criticisms of the Pope concerning the Iran war. Rubio spent two and a half hours at the Vatican, meeting with Pope Leo and senior Vatican officials, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin. A State Department spokesman stated the meeting highlighted the strong relationship between the US and the Holy See and their shared dedication to peace and human dignity. The meeting took place under tight security.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Thursday in a closed-door session aimed at mending relations strained by President Donald Trump's recent criticisms of the pontiff. The meeting, requested by the U.S., is the first between a Trump administration official and the Pope in nearly a year. Discussions were expected to address recent events, particularly Trump's accusations that the Pope was endangering Catholics by opposing the war on Iran and falsely suggesting the Pope supported Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. Pope Leo has denied supporting nuclear weapons, reiterating the Catholic Church's stance against them and its mission to preach peace. Following his meeting with the Pope, Rubio was scheduled to meet with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Pope Leo at the Vatican on Thursday to address tensions stemming from President Donald Trump's repeated criticisms of the pontiff. Trump has accused Pope Leo of supporting nuclear weapons and endangering Catholics with his stance against the Iran war. Pope Leo has defended his position, stating the church has long opposed nuclear weapons and hopes his message is heard. Rubio intends to downplay the rift, explaining Trump's criticism is linked to his opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. This meeting occurs amidst unprecedented strain between Washington and the Holy See, with Rubio aiming to repair damaged ties and explain the US rationale for the Iran war while avoiding direct conflict with the church's position.

Pope Leo has refuted claims by Donald Trump that he supports nuclear weapons, particularly concerning Iran. Speaking to journalists after a papal retreat, Pope Leo stated that the Church has consistently opposed nuclear weapons and that his mission is to preach peace. This response comes after Trump accused the Pope of endangering Catholics by appearing to be permissive of Iran possessing nuclear weapons. The Pope emphasized the need for truth in political debate and expressed a hope to be heard for the value of God's word. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the two figures, with the Pope scheduled to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address the situation.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump's remarks regarding Pope Leo XIV's stance on Iran, stating that Trump's comments had been mischaracterized. Rubio explained that Trump's concern stemmed from the potential threat Iran, particularly with a nuclear weapon, could pose to Catholic and Christian populations in the region, as well as to global shipping. This exchange occurred before Rubio's scheduled meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Thursday. Trump had previously criticized the Pope, suggesting he was too lenient on Iran and was "endangering a lot of Catholics." The upcoming meeting is anticipated to be candid, reflecting existing tensions between Washington and the Catholic Church.

President Donald Trump has again criticized Pope Leo, just days before Secretary of State Marco Rubio's planned visit to the Vatican. In an interview on Monday, Trump stated that the Pope is indirectly supporting Iran by focusing on immigration rather than nuclear proliferation. Trump expressed concern that the Pope's remarks on treating immigrants with respect are making the world less safe and endangering Catholics. This renewed criticism could potentially complicate Rubio's diplomatic efforts during his upcoming trip to the Vatican.

President Donald Trump has accused Pope Leo XIV of "endangering a lot of Catholics" by allegedly supporting Iran's acquisition of nuclear weapons. Trump made these remarks during an interview on a conservative radio show, just days before Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with the Pope at the Vatican. The Pope has not stated that Iran should possess nuclear weapons, but has consistently advocated for ceasefires and dialogue regarding the conflict in the Middle East, opposing the US-Israeli war on Iran. This meeting aims to ease tensions that arose after Trump previously criticized the Pope's stance. The US ambassador to the Holy See expressed optimism for a "frank" conversation between Rubio and Leo, emphasizing dialogue to understand and address any differences in policy.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Pope Leo at the Vatican this Thursday. This visit occurs weeks after former President Donald Trump publicly criticized the Pope's stance on the US-Israeli war on Iran, calling him "weak." Rubio's two-day trip also includes meetings with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, aiming to improve US-Holy See relations. The visit coincides with the first anniversary of Pope Leo's papacy. Trump's earlier criticisms extended to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after she defended the Pope. Rubio and Vice President JD Vance previously met Pope Leo after his inauguration, extending a White House invitation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Rome this week, where he will meet with Pope Leo. This visit follows a recent public disagreement between Pope Leo and US President Donald Trump, with reports suggesting the meeting aims to "thaw" relations. Rubio's itinerary also includes meetings with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Additionally, Rubio had requested a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a close European ally of Trump who had defended the Pope. The trip occurs amidst growing transatlantic tensions, particularly concerning the conflict in the Middle East.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to Rome this week, reportedly to mend strained relations with both the Italian government and the Vatican. The visit, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, coincides with the first anniversary of Pope Leo's papacy. Rubio is expected to meet with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, though a meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has not yet been confirmed. This diplomatic effort follows recent tensions stemming from Donald Trump's criticisms of Pope Leo and Meloni's response, which reportedly led Trump to threaten troop withdrawals from Italy. The trip aims to "thaw" these frosty relations, a task described as challenging.