Senator Marco Rubio will meet with Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, May 7th, in a visit aimed at improving relations between the United States and the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV and Donald Trump’s Disagreement
The Vatican and the US State Department have not yet officially announced Senator Rubio’s meeting with Pope Leo XIV. The audience is scheduled for Thursday, May 7th, the day before the first anniversary of Leo XIV’s election, the first pope from the United States.
Italian media reports indicate the visit is an attempt to mend ties between Washington and the Holy See following a series of critical statements by President Donald Trump regarding Pope Leo XIV.
Pope’s Calls for Peace in US-Iran Conflict
Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly called for peace in the US-Iran conflict, stating that President Trump’s threats against the Iranian population are “unacceptable,” and the war itself is considered unjust by many.
Trump’s Criticism of the Pope
In response, Trump described Pope Leo XIV as “weak on crime and disastrous on foreign policy,” adding that he “doesn’t want a pope who thinks it’s okay for Iran to have nuclear weapons.” Pope Leo XIV later commented that he would not engage in a discussion with the US president.
Meloni’s Stance and Additional Meetings
Pope Leo XIV met with Rubio on the day of his pontificate’s inauguration, May 18, 2025. US Vice President J.D. Vance also attended the mass.
During his visit to Rome, Marco Rubio is also scheduled to meet with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Defense Minister Guido Crosetti, and potentially with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, according to Italian media.
Deteriorating US-Italy Relations
Relations between the US and Italy have also recently deteriorated after Donald Trump criticized Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for refusing to assist the US in the war with Iran. The Italian Prime Minister also stated that the President’s words about the Pope were “unacceptable.”
