US’s Rubio to visit Italy after Trump’s spats with Meloni, Pope Leo
politico.eu • • world
Key Points:
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Italy on May 7-8, aiming to improve strained relations following President Trump's recent attacks on Pope Leo XIV and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
- Trump's criticism targeted the pope's anti-war stance and Meloni's defense of the pontiff, labeling the pope as "Weak on Crime" and "Weak on Nuclear Weapons," and questioning Meloni's courage.
- Rubio is expected to meet with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, and Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, though no meetings with the pope or Meloni have been confirmed.
- The visit follows heightened tensions after Trump shared a controversial AI-generated image of himself as a Christ-like figure, which he later removed amid backlash.
- Pope Leo responded to Trump's attacks by affirming he has "no fear" of the White House and will not be silenced on his anti-war message.
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