U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the press at the US Embassy in Rome on May 8, 2026. (Photo by Stefano RELLANDINI / POOL / AFP)
May 8, 2026
Rubio says had ‘very good meeting’ with Pope Leo
ROME, Italy (AFP) — United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday he had a “very good meeting” with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican after President Donald Trump’s criticism of the pontiff’s anti-war stance.
Rubio told reporters they had discussed areas of joint interest, including religious freedom and the threat posed by Iran, adding: “It’s important to share our points of view and an explanation and an understanding of where we’re coming from. And I thought it was very positive.”
