US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Rome and the Vatican this week, according to an Italian government source. This visit comes in the wake of a public clash between Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV.
Rubio, a practicing Catholic, is scheduled to meet with several high-ranking officials, including Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
Reports suggest that Rubio will also hold discussions with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto during his trip on Thursday and Friday.
His visit is being framed by Italian media as an opportunity to 'thaw' relations after recent tensions between the US and the Vatican.
These tensions were exacerbated by Trump's sharp criticism of Pope Leo XIV's anti-war stance, particularly following the US-Israeli military actions in Iran.
Trump and Pope Leo XIV's Dispute
On April 7, Pope Leo XIV labeled Trump's threats against Iran as 'unacceptable' and called on Americans to push lawmakers for peace. This statement drew Trump's ire, leading him to label the pontiff as 'WEAK on Crime' and ineffective in foreign policy matters.
In response, Trump expressed his disappointment with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for defending the Pope, questioning her courage in an interview.
Trump also threatened to withdraw US troops from Italy, stating that the country has not been supportive in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
I'm shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong,' Trump stated regarding Meloni's defense of the Pope.
Corriere della Sera
Rubio's upcoming visit to the Vatican signals an attempt to restore diplomatic relations and address the fallout from Trump's remarks.