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NewsThe Daily WireMay 7, 2026United States

Secretary of State Rubio Meets with Pope Leo Amid Tensions

Secretary of State Marco Rubio held meetings at the Vatican with Pope Leo and Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to discuss Middle East policy and Western Hemisphere interests. The visit follows a period of public disagreement between President Trump and the Pope regarding the Iran nuclear program and other policy issues.

Foreign PolicyDiplomacyReligionIranNuclear Weapons
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Why It Matters

The meeting represents an attempt at private diplomacy between the U.S. government and the following public criticism from President Trump regarding the Pope's stance on Iran's nuclear capabilities.

Key Facts

  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV and Secretary of State Pietro Parolin in Vatican City on Thursday, May 6, 2026.
  • The meeting agenda included discussions on the Middle East, the Western Hemisphere, and U.S. work with the Catholic Church and Caritas in Cuba.
  • President Trump has publicly criticized Pope Leo's stance on Iran, specifically regarding the potential for Iran to possess nuclear weapons.
  • President Trump previously characterized the Pope as 'weak on crime' and 'terrible for foreign policy' in social media posts.
  • Pope Leo has stated that the Church's mission is to preach the Gospel of peace and that the Church has historically spoken out against all nuclear weapons.
  • The Pope stated he does not seek a political confrontation with the White House and is not a politician.
  • Secretary of State Rubio stated the trip was intended to engage on shared concerns regarding religious liberty and the persecution of Christian minorities.

Who's Mentioned

personPietro Parolin“Holy See Secretary of State.”personMarco Rubio“U.S. Secretary of State who met with the Pope.”personHugh Hewitt“Conservative radio host.”personCourtney Mares“Journalist who shared social media content.”organizationCatholicVote“Organization that shared presidential statements.”personDonald Trump“President of the United States.”locationIran“Subject of nuclear policy disagreement.”locationVatican City“Location of the meeting.”personPope Leo XIV“Leader of the Catholic Church.”personTommy Pigott“State Department spokesman.”