Rubio and Pope Francis Discuss Middle East Tensions at Vatican Meeting

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Thursday, May 7, 2026, to discuss the situation in the Middle East and other matters of mutual interest, including shared concerns in the Western Hemisphere. The meeting took place amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the Holy See and the Trump administration, which have been strained by recent public exchanges.

The Vatican confirmed that Rubio arrived at the Apostolic Palace for the meeting, which lasted approximately two hours and fifteen minutes. According to a statement from the U.S. Department of State, the discussions focused on advancing bilateral relations with Italy and the Vatican, with particular attention to the Middle East situation and strategic alignment in the Western Hemisphere.

This is the second meeting between Rubio and Pope Leo XIV since the latter’s election in 2025. The two previously met on May 18, 2025, following the Mass marking the beginning of the Pope’s pontificate, and again on May 19, 2025, during a bilateral meeting that also included U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Rubio’s visit to the Vatican comes as part of a broader trip to Rome, where he is also engaging with Italian officials on shared security interests.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of recent public remarks by President Donald Trump, which had drawn criticism from the Vatican. In March, Pope Leo XIV had posted on social media, emphasizing the rejection of war and the role of faith in promoting peace. Trump’s subsequent comments, including an AI-generated image depicting himself in a religious context, had further heightened tensions between the two leaders.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott described the meeting as underscoring the strong relationship between the United States and the Holy See, and their shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity. The Vatican also released photos of the meeting, which included Rubio exchanging gifts with the Pope in the pontiff’s private library.

Rubio’s diplomatic efforts reflect a broader attempt to repair relations between the U.S. And the Vatican, particularly in light of recent disagreements over foreign policy and the role of faith in international affairs. The meeting is expected to contribute to ongoing discussions about regional stability and the broader geopolitical landscape.