Rubio is set to meet Pope Leo after Trump's criticism
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the Vatican to mend strained relations following President Donald Trump's public criticisms of Pope Leo XIV and disagreements over the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran.
- Pope Leo XIV has rejected Trump's claims that he supports Iran obtaining nuclear weapons, emphasizing the Church's message of peace and opposition to all nuclear arms.
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Italian leaders, including Premier Giorgia Meloni, have defended the pope and criticized Trump's stance on the Iran war, complicating diplomatic relations.
- Rubio's visit aims to smooth ties ahead of midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race, with observers suggesting his mission serves both diplomatic and personal political interests.
- Besides Iran, Rubio's Vatican talks included concerns about Cuba, highlighting the administration's humanitarian aid efforts and worries over potential military actions in the region.
