VATICAN CITY: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to travel to Italy this week for a significant diplomatic engagement with Pope Leo, according to a Vatican source, as tensions between Washington and the Holy See continue to draw global attention.
The meeting, anticipated on Thursday, would mark the first in-person interaction between the pontiff and a senior U.S. cabinet official in nearly a year. A source familiar with the pope’s schedule confirmed the plans but was not authorized to speak publicly.
Over recent weeks, Pope Leo has adopted an increasingly assertive tone on international affairs, openly criticizing the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, while also reiterating concerns over the immigration policies of the administration led by Donald Trump. Trump, in turn, has publicly targeted the pope, calling him “terrible” in a series of social media posts during April remarks that sparked criticism across political and diplomatic circles, particularly as the pontiff was concluding a multi-nation visit to Africa.
Rubio previously met Pope Leo in May 2025 alongside Vice President JD Vance, attending the pope’s inaugural Mass at St. Peter’s Square before holding a private audience the following day.
The upcoming meeting coincides with the first anniversary of Pope Leo’s papacy, underscoring its symbolic and political significance.
Italian publications La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera ранее reported Rubio’s planned visit, noting additional talks with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.
However, they had not initially confirmed a direct meeting with the pope.
Rubio is also expected to engage with Italy’s foreign and defense leadership, amid efforts to stabilize relations following recent tensions between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a key U.S. ally in Europe. It remains unclear whether Rubio will meet Meloni during the visit.
The diplomatic outreach comes against a backdrop of broader transatlantic strain. The Pentagon recently announced the withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, the largest American military hub in Europe, reflecting growing disagreements over the Iran conflict and trade policies.
Italy continues to host a substantial U.S. military presence, with nearly 13,000 active-duty personnel stationed across six bases as of the end of 2025.
-Giulia Bavier
