U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to visit Rome and the Vatican

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to travel to Rome and the Vatican from May 7 to May 9, 2026. On Thursday, he is expected to have a 30-minute private audience with Pope Leo XIV, followed by discussions with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. On Friday, Rubio will meet with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, with a potential meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the visit focuses on strengthening bilateral relations, discussing Middle Eastern security, and addressing common interests in the Western Hemisphere. Italian media reports suggest the visit aims to bridge diplomatic gaps between the U.S., the Holy See, and the Italian government, particularly concerning the war in Iran. This trip follows recent public criticism of the Pope by President Donald Trump. Rubio, a Catholic, previously met with the Pope in May 2025 alongside Vice President J.D. Vance.