politics
May 7, 2026
Rubio and Pope Leo meet at the Vatican to discuss Middle East after weeks of tension
Updated on: May 7, 2026 / 9:52 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
- The discussions focused on the Middle East and topics of mutual interest.
- The meeting aimed to underscore the strong relationship between the U.S. and the Holy See.
- This meeting followed weeks of public tension and criticism between Pope Leo XIV and President Trump.
- Rubio also met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
- The meetings occurred after Pope Leo XIV's remarks on peace and war, and Trump's critical responses, including a deleted AI-generated image.
- Both Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, being Catholic, have been asked to address the public disagreements.