Here’s what happened.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a major diplomatic meeting with Pope Leo XIV on Thursday during a high-stakes visit to Vatican City, as tensions continue to grow over immigration, global conflicts, and the future of international peace efforts.
The meeting comes just days after President Donald Trump voiced frustration with some of the pope’s recent comments regarding Iran, war, and border security — issues that remain front and center for millions of American voters.
Rubio, a longtime Catholic and one of President Trump’s top foreign policy allies, met privately with Pope Leo as well as Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin during talks that lasted more than two hours.
According to the State Department, the discussions focused on several major international concerns, including instability in the Middle East, humanitarian aid efforts, religious freedom, and cooperation between the United States and the Vatican.
Officials described the conversations as constructive and emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties between America and the Holy See during a time of increasing global uncertainty.
“The meeting underscored the strong relationship between the United States and the Holy See and their shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a statement.
The Vatican also released its own statement, saying both sides reaffirmed their commitment to positive relations while discussing current world events, wars, humanitarian crises, and ongoing efforts to support peace through diplomacy.
While the meeting focused heavily on serious international issues, there were also lighter moments during the visit.
Rubio presented Pope Leo with a crystal football paperweight featuring the State Department seal and joked about trying to find the perfect gift for someone in the Vatican. Rubio also referenced the pope’s well-known support for the Chicago White Sox.
In return, Pope Leo gifted Rubio an olive-wood pen decorated with his papal coat of arms, explaining that the olive branch has long symbolized peace. The pope also gave Rubio a book featuring famous artwork from the Vatican.
Despite the friendly exchange, policy disagreements between the Vatican and the Trump administration have become increasingly visible in recent weeks.
Pope Leo has expressed concerns about hardline immigration policies and rising tensions involving Iran. President Trump, meanwhile, has defended his administration’s approach as necessary to protect American security and maintain stability around the world.
WATCH:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife, Jeanette, met with Pope Leo XIV today at the Vatican.
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During a recent radio interview, President Trump criticized what he viewed as weak messaging toward Iran and warned that dangerous regimes cannot be allowed to gain leverage on the global stage.
The pope later clarified that the Catholic Church’s position is rooted in long-standing religious teachings that encourage peace, diplomacy, and caution regarding modern warfare and nuclear weapons.
At the same time, Pope Leo acknowledged that nations do have the right to defend themselves when facing legitimate threats.
The growing divide has reportedly also created tension between President Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after she defended the pope’s calls for peace and criticized attacks directed toward the Vatican leader.
Trump later responded publicly, continuing what has become an increasingly visible disagreement between world leaders over foreign policy and global security priorities.
Still, Vatican officials stressed that the United States remains one of the Holy See’s most important international partners because of America’s influence in diplomatic negotiations and humanitarian operations worldwide.
Rubio is expected to continue his diplomatic trip with additional meetings involving Meloni and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani as the Trump administration works to strengthen relationships with key allies amid growing international tensions.