Marco Rubio to meet pope this week after Trump’s broadside against Leo
Summary
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Pope Leo this week at the Vatican to improve relations between the US and the Holy See after recent tensions caused by President Trump's criticism of the pope. Rubio’s visit includes meetings with Vatican and Italian officials and comes just before the pope’s first anniversary as pontiff.Key Facts
- Marco Rubio will meet Pope Leo privately on Thursday at the Vatican’s apostolic palace.
- Rubio’s visit aims to improve the relationship between Washington and the Vatican.
- Rubio will also meet Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
- Rubio requested a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has not yet confirmed but may meet him.
- President Trump recently criticized Pope Leo for condemning the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, calling the pope "weak."
- Vice President JD Vance also criticized the pope, saying the Vatican should focus on morality and be careful discussing war.
- President Trump threatened to withdraw US troops from Italy after Meloni criticized his remarks about the pope.
- Pope Leo will celebrate his first anniversary as pope with a mass in Pompeii and Naples.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.