Rubio Meets Pope Leo at Vatican Amid Tensions
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. The visit came after rising tensions between the US and the Vatican.
President Trump recently criticized Pope Leo XIV. The Pope had spoken against the US-Israeli war in Iran.
Trump accused the Pope of supporting Iran having a nuclear weapon. The Pope directly denied this claim.
Sources say the rift also stems from the Pope's criticism of US immigration policy. The Pope has also taken a broad anti-war stance.
Rubio said the trip was planned before the latest dispute. He said it covers many topics.
Rubio also met Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin. He was also scheduled to meet Italian Prime Minister Meloni.
Italy's government called Trump's attacks on the Pope unacceptable. Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope.
Key Terms 4
- Secretary of State The top US official who handles foreign affairs and diplomacy
- Vatican The small independent state in Rome where the Pope lives and leads the Catholic Church
- Cardinal Parolin The Vatican's top diplomat who manages its foreign relations
- pontiff Another word for the Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church