NewsThe GuardianMay 8, 2026United States
Rubio Meets Pope and Italian PM in Rome Amid US-Italy Tensions
Photo: The Guardian
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Rome on Friday, meeting both Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Pope Leo XIV. The visit came during a period of unusual strain between the US and Italy, largely driven by the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran. Rubio described his meeting with the Pope as 'cordial and important' and used the trip to explain the US position on Iran.
Read the full story at The GuardianWhy It Matters
Growing tensions between the US and a key NATO ally like Italy, fueled by an active war involving Iran and Israel, could have significant consequences for international stability and American foreign policy.
Key Facts
- Rubio described his meeting with Pope Leo XIV as 'cordial and important' and outlined the US position on Iran.
- The visit was a fence-mending trip amid sharp US-Italy disagreements over the US-Israel war in Iran and Trump's criticisms of the Pope.
- Rubio also met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on May 8, 2026.