{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1717531,
        "msgid": "us-secretary-of-state-rubio-to-visit-italy-and-the-vatican-1777913608",
        "date": "2026-05-04 22:06:41",
        "title": "US Secretary of State Rubio to Visit Italy and the Vatican",
        "author": "",
        "source": "ANTARA_ID",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Politics",
        "summary": "US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Rome from 6 to 8 May to meet with Italian and Vatican officials, focusing on the Middle East situation and shared interests. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations amid rising tensions stemming from President Donald Trump's criticisms of the Pope and Italian policies on NATO bases, as well as disputes over US military operations against Iran. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's refusal to support these operations and Pope Leo's calls for peace have exacerbated diplomatic frictions, with Trump's unconventional sports diplomacy proposal adding to the controversy.",
        "content": "<p>Washington (ANTARA) - United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio is\nscheduled to visit Rome on 6\u20138 May to meet with Italian and Vatican\nofficials.<\/p>\n<p>The main agenda of the meetings includes discussions on the situation\nin the Middle East as well as issues of mutual interest, according to US\nState Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott on Monday.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSecretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Rome, Italy, on 6\u20138\nMay to strengthen bilateral relations with Italy and the Vatican,\u201d\nPigott said.<\/p>\n<p>Rubio will also meet with Holy See leaders to discuss developments in\nthe Middle East and shared interests in the Western hemisphere, he\nadded.<\/p>\n<p>Rubio\u2019s meetings with Italian officials will focus on shared security\ninterests and \u201cstrategic alignment,\u201d the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n<p>The visit comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Rome\nand the Vatican, following controversies involving President Donald\nTrump.<\/p>\n<p>Trump\u2019s criticisms of the Pope and Italy\u2019s policies regarding NATO\nmilitary bases have sparked diplomatic friction.<\/p>\n<p>Pope Leo has angered Trump by openly and repeatedly calling for peace\nin the Middle East and strongly criticising the war launched by Trump\nagainst Iran.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has refused to support US\nmilitary operations related to Iran by blocking the Sigonella airbase\nand Italian airspace for US aircraft.<\/p>\n<p>Trump\u2019s attempt to use sports diplomacy\u2014by proposing that Italy\nreplace Iran in the World Cup\u2014to ease relations with Rome has also\nsparked debate.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/us-secretary-of-state-rubio-to-visit-italy-and-the-vatican-1777913608",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}