US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Rome and the Vatican from May 6 to 8, 2026, to meet with Pope Leo, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, and Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, officials confirmed [1, 2]. Rubio’s meeting with Pope Leo is scheduled for May 7 at 11:30 a.m. local time (10:30 GMT) [1]. Rubio has also requested a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, though that is not yet confirmed [1].
The visit aims to improve US relations with Italy and the Vatican, focusing on bilateral ties, shared security interests, and strategic alignment, according to a State Department spokesman. Tommy Pigott said, "Secretary Rubio will meet with Holy See leadership to discuss the situation in the Middle East and mutual interests in the Western Hemisphere" [2].
The diplomatic visit follows months of public criticisms and growing tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration. In April 2026, former President Donald Trump sharply criticized Pope Leo for condemning the US-Israeli war on Iran, calling the pope "weak and ineffective," and deleted an AI-generated image portraying himself as Christ [1]. Trump also expressed displeasure with Italy, threatened to withdraw US troops from the country, and criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni [1, 2].
Tensions increased after Pope Leo urged US bishops to protect immigrant rights and condemned US actions in Venezuela and the US-Israeli strike on Iran, prompting further Vatican-US strain [2]. After Trump’s outburst, Pope Leo stated he would not fear the US administration and continues to speak out against the war on Iran [1].
Marco Rubio and US Vice-President JD Vance attended Pope Leo’s inauguration in May 2025 and held a private audience with the pope, signaling ongoing US hope to maintain diplomatic ties despite conflicts involving Trump [1].
The trip also coincides with the first anniversary of Pope Leo’s papacy. The pope will celebrate mass at Pompeii and visit Naples on May 8 or 9 to mark the occasion, his first anniversary as pope [1].
Rubio’s meetings in Rome and the Vatican will be closely watched for any signs of easing diplomatic strains amid the wider geopolitical tensions involving the US, Italy, and the Holy See.
