Italy-US ties strained as pope and Iran war dominate talks
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome amidst growing tensions between the two nations. The primary strain stems from Italy's refusal to support the US-Israel war on Iran, which has also created economic fallout and domestic pressure on Meloni's government.
The story so far
- May 3
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- May 5
- May 6
- May 7
- May 8
How outlets cover it
4 outletsNot rated on the left–right scale. It describes Western party politics and doesn’t fit state media or outlets outside that system, so we show ownership and country instead.
Open questions and key claims
Donald Trump previously criticized Pope Leo, calling him weak and ineffective.
Donald Trump accused Pope Leo XIV of endangering Catholics by supporting Iran having a nuclear weapon.
US Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch expects a 'frank' meeting between Rubio and Leo.
Marco Rubio pushed back on comments that President Donald Trump accused Pope Leo XIV of 'endangering Catholics' over his stance on the Iran war.
Rubio stated Trump's concern was rooted in the threat Iran could pose to 'places that have a lot of Catholics and Christians and others'.
The exchange precedes a meeting between Rubio and Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, expected to be 'frank'.
The meeting underscored the strong relationship between the United States and the Holy See and their shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity.
Pope Leo became a firm critic of the war.
Who and where
Related stories over time
same people and places- Apr 5 – Apr 7 earlierPope Leo slams Trump’s threat that Iran’s ‘civilisation will die’6 articles · 5 outlets
- May 3 – May 8◆ This story
- May 25 – May 26 laterWhat has Pope Leo warned about AI – and why that’s significant6 articles · 4 outlets