The United States praised the “solidity” of its relations with the Vatican on Thursday after Secretary of State Marco Rubio was received by Pope Leo XIV with the clear goal of easing tensions following Donald Trump’s harsh criticisms.
The meeting “underscored the strength of the relationship between the United States and the Holy See, as well as their common commitment to peace and human dignity,” said State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott in a statement.
Pope Leo XIV and the U.S. Secretary of State had a “friendly and constructive” meeting lasting over 45 minutes, according to an anonymous State Department official.
Mr. Rubio, a devout Catholic himself, was accompanied by his wife and received at the apostolic palace with all the honors usually reserved for heads of state and government, demonstrating the Vatican’s desire for reconciliation.
The two officials discussed the situation in the Middle East and “common interests in the Western Hemisphere,” including the situation in Cuba.
Mr. Rubio then met with the Secretary of State and Number 2 at the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
“They reviewed ongoing humanitarian efforts in the Western Hemisphere and initiatives to establish lasting peace in the Middle East,” the State Department reported.
“Their discussions reflected the strong and consistent partnership between the United States and the Holy See in support of religious freedom,” it added.
The Vatican stated that these “cordial” talks covered, among other things, “the need to tirelessly work for peace.”
During an exchange of gifts, the Pope gave a pen made of olive wood, while Mr. Rubio presented a crystal American football. “The olive tree is the tree of peace,” the Vatican emphasized.
Prior to his visit, Mr. Rubio sought to downplay the recent criticisms of the President towards the Pope, amid conflicts in the Middle East and immigration issues.
Far from the initial excitement of the Trump administration’s election a year ago, when the first American pope in history was being celebrated, relations with the Vatican have seriously deteriorated.
In mid-April, the American president surprised by criticizing Pope Leo XIV as “weak” on crime and “inept” in foreign policy, sparking outrage among Catholics and several world leaders.
The Pope responded by stating he was not afraid of the Trump administration and had a moral duty to speak out against war.
Pope Leo XIV believes that “it would not be a problem for Iran to have nuclear weapons,” reiterated the Republican leader, accusing the Pope of endangering many Catholics and others.
The Pope replied, “If anyone wants to criticize me for preaching the Gospel, let them do so honestly. The Church has opposed all nuclear weapons for years, there is no doubt about that.”
Pope and Marco Rubio had previously met in May 2025 at the Vatican, along with then-Vice President JD Vance, a converted Catholic, shortly after Pope Leo XIV’s election.
The topic of Cuba also came up during Thursday’s meetings, as confirmed by a State Department official.
“Our work with the Catholic Church and Caritas in Cuba was discussed,” the official said anonymously.
The United States provides humanitarian aid to Cuba through a strict channel via the local Catholic Church.
The Holy See has long played an active role in diplomacy regarding Cuba. Marco Rubio – whose parents are of Cuban descent – led efforts by the Trump administration to pressure the communist government.
Since the fall of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a Havana ally, captured by U.S. forces in early January, Washington has maintained a policy of maximum pressure on the island, which has been under American embargo for over six decades.
