Rubio attempts to mend relations with Pope Leo in Vatican meeting after Trump's criticisms
PBS • • nation
Key Points:
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican to ease tensions following President Trump's public criticisms of the pope regarding Iran and other issues like immigration.
- President Trump accused Pope Leo of supporting a nuclear-armed Iran and being "weak on crime," claims the pope denied, reaffirming the Catholic Church's longstanding opposition to nuclear weapons.
- The Vatican emphasized the importance of working toward peace in countries affected by war and humanitarian crises, highlighting ongoing differences with the Trump administration's policies.
- Former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Miguel Diaz noted the unusual nature of Trump's attacks on the pope and expressed hope that diplomacy and dialogue, as symbolized by Rubio's visit, might help bridge divides.
- Diaz underscored the pope's moral influence and called for peaceful solutions over violence, while acknowledging it remains uncertain whether the pope can directly impact U.S. foreign policy.
