Foreign Minister Rubio Meets Pope Leo, US Claims Strong Ties with the Vatican

Rubio met Pope Leo today local time. This meeting also took place following tensions involving Pope Leo and President Donald Trump regarding the conflict in the Middle East.

“The meeting reaffirms the strong relationship between the United States and the Holy See, as well as their shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity,” said US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, as quoted by AFP on Thursday (7/5/2026).

A US State Department official said the meeting between Rubio and Pope Leo took place in a warm atmosphere. They discussed several topics, particularly the tensions occurring in the Middle East.

“With Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, Rubio discussed efforts to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East,” said Pigott.

“The discussions reflect the enduring partnership between the United States and the Holy See in advancing religious freedom,” he added.

This visit by the US Secretary of State comes after extraordinary criticism from Trump towards Pope Leo. Some time ago, Pope Leo and Trump engaged in a back-and-forth disagreement regarding the US war with Iran.

Pope Leo publicly criticised the US stance and opposed the war. Trump’s harsh criticism was met with sarcasm, saying that he was “not a big fan of Pope Leo” and that he did not “want a Pope who thinks it’s okay for Iran to have nuclear weapons.”