Brussels 08.05.2026 The U.S. Secreatry of State Marco Rubio assessed positively his visit to Vatican. As he arrived in Italy on May 7 he headed to the Vatican, where he met in the Apostolic Palace with Pope Leo XIV.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that he and Pope Leo XIV had "a very good meeting" at the Vatican, where he "updated them on the situation with Iran."
Rubio, who is a devout Catholic, met with the American pontiff on Thursday to discuss the situation in the Middle… pic.twitter.com/mXVJ0s3fdp
— CBS News (@CBSNews) May 8, 2026
According to a communique from the Holy See Press Office, the “cordial talks” saw both states renew “the shared commitment to fostering sound bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States of America.”
Marco Rubio: 'What to get someone who has everything? I thought a crystal football'
Pope: 'ok' pic.twitter.com/gr0sWA9bAO
— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) May 7, 2026
Their encounter also included an exchange of views “regarding situations on the regional and international levels, with particular attention given to countries experiencing war, political tensions and difficult humanitarian situations as well as the need to work tirelessly for peace.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV amid tensions between the Vatican and the White House. President Trump criticized the Pope’s stance on the war in Iran.
The meeting aimed to mend ties as Trump’s support among U.S. Catholics declines. https://t.co/fOiERymUrH pic.twitter.com/7NqAC1zZXr
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) May 8, 2026
Separately, the Holy See Press Office said discussions about countries enduring war included some African and Middle Eastern countries, such as Lebanon and Iran.
🇺🇸🇮🇷 Trump asked Rubio to "very nicely" tell the Pope two things: Iran can't get a nuke, and the regime he's defending has killed 42,000 unarmed civilians.
That's the politest "shut up" ever delivered to the Vatican.pic.twitter.com/qkdd7bU27L https://t.co/vVLjZqWVgr
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 8, 2026
They also spoke about Cuba, which has seen heightened tensions with the US recently.
Marco Rubio went to the Vatican to smooth over tensions between Trump and Pope Leo. They’re basically putting him in the middle and seeing which parent he goes to. “Come on, little Marco…walk to daddy.” #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/TPiftZq8o3
— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) May 8, 2026
