U.S. Secretary of State to visit Vatican for talks on global issues

Marco Rubio in Rome in May 2025. Photo: The Guardian

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Rome this week for a visit that includes meetings with Vatican officials and Italy’s leadership against the backdrop of strained relations, The Guardian reports.

Rubio is expected to hold talks with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and may also meet with Pope Leo XIV, although that meeting remains uncertain. The trip is seen as an effort to ease tensions following sharp criticism of the pontiff by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The disagreements center on military conflicts and migration policy. In particular, the Pope has criticized strikes on Iran and Lebanon, calling for the protection of civilians and restraint. At the same time, while signaling openness to dialogue, the Vatican has not softened its stance on these issues.

Observers say Rubio’s visit is intended to “thaw” relations and keep diplomatic channels open between Washington and the Holy See. Both sides appear keen to avoid further escalation or a complete rupture, despite ongoing disagreements.

Experts note that the trip is more about containing the fallout than reaching concrete agreements. The U.S. and the Vatican are unlikely to align on key issues, but both have an interest in maintaining working relations amid continuing global crises.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a Catholic diocese in California is closing 13 parishes due to declining attendance.

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