Marco Rubio to visit Rome, reportedly to ‘thaw’ US relations with Italy
Summary
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Rome to improve relations with the Italian government and the Vatican. This visit follows tensions caused by President Donald Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo and Italy’s response to the US-Israeli war on Iran.Key Facts
- Marco Rubio will be in Rome on Thursday and Friday to meet Italian and Vatican officials.
- Rubio plans to meet Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani.
- Rubio has asked to meet Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, but this meeting is not confirmed.
- Tensions rose after President Trump criticized Pope Leo over his condemnation of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
- Italy refused US use of a Sicilian airbase for carrying weapons in the war, worsening relations.
- The US threatened to withdraw troops from Italy and Spain due to their positions on the war.
- The Pentagon announced withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany with possible increases, citing diplomatic tensions.
- Rubio and US Vice-President JD Vance attended Pope Leo’s inauguration and personally invited him to the White House.
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