The secretary of State, a practicing Catholic, said on X that the meeting underscored “a shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity.” The messaging contrasted with that of U.S. President Donald Trump, who said the pope was “weak” and “terrible” after Leo called for an end to the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran.
Following the talks, the Vatican wrote in a statement that “the shared commitment to fostering good bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States of America was reaffirmed.” It was the white smoke Rubio was hoping for.
According to the Holy See, the pontiff and the U.S.’s foreign affairs chief discussed “difficult humanitarian situations, as well as [..] the need to work tirelessly for peace,” underscoring the pope’s unwavering stance on global conflicts.
The secretary of State and the pope also exchanged gifts, with Rubio presenting Leo with a crystal tennis ball paperweight, in a nod to his love of the sport. The pope, in turn, seemed to extend a literal olive branch with a pen made from olive wood, a tree that traditionally symbolizes peace.
Rubio later met Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of State, who had sharply — though diplomatically — pushed back on Trump’s criticism of Leo. “Attacking him like that, or criticizing what he does, seems a bit strange to me, to say the least,” Parolin said Wednesday.
The cardinal nevertheless stressed that the United States remains a crucial interlocutor and said the initiative for the meeting came from Rubio. “We will listen to him and talk about recent events,” he added.
Rubio had previously met Leo on May 19 alongside Vice President JD Vance, delivering a letter from Trump inviting the pontiff to visit the United States. On Friday, he is set to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as well as her foreign and defense ministers.
Daniella Cheslow reported from Washington D.C.