Secretary of State Marco Rubio held face-to-face meetings with Pope Leo on Thursday as President Donald Trump remains critical of the pope’s position on the Iran war.
In Vatican City, Rubio, America’s top diplomat and a Roman Catholic, met with Pope Leo and Holy See Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to discuss issues such as the Middle East. A State Department official told The Daily Wire that “today’s conversations were friendly and constructive.”
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to discuss the situation in the Middle East and topics of mutual interest in the Western Hemisphere,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said. “The meeting underscored the strong relationship between the United States and the Holy See and their shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity.”
The Holy See “exceeded expectations” in their welcoming of Secretary Rubio to the Vatican, a source familiar with the protocol told The Daily Wire, demonstrating “strong U.S.-Holy See ties.”
The Holy See also arranged for Rubio’s motorcade to enter through the Arch of Bells, which is usually reserved for the head of state or head of government — a special mark of respect for Rubio. The Vatican also sent the Prefect of the Papal Household, Archbishop Peter Rajik, to greet Rubio as the secretary of State arrived in the San Damaso Courtyard. Rubio was greeted by the full Swiss Honorary Guard who welcomed his delegation, the source familiar shared.
During the meeting, Rubio also discussed the United States’ work with the Catholic Church and Caritas in Cuba with the Holy See leadership, according to the State Department official.
The meeting follows recent clashes between President Trump and the pope, whose outspoken criticism of the war against the Islamic Republic of Iran has drawn sharp rebukes from the president.
Ahead of Rubio’s meeting, Trump sent a “simple” message to the leader of the Catholic Church.
“As far as the Pope is concerned, it’s very simple. Whether I make him happy or I don’t make him happy: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. “And he seemed to be saying that they can, and I say, they cannot.”
🚨 President Trump shares a “simple” message for Pope Leo ahead of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s meeting with the pontiff.
“As far as the Pope is concerned, it’s very simple. Whether I make him happy or I don’t make him happy: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.” pic.twitter.com/WfHKQZAMcJ
— CatholicVote (@CatholicVote) May 6, 2026
In an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, the commander-in-chief said the pontiff’s position endangers Catholics.
“I think he’s endangering a lot of Catholics and a lot of people, but I guess if it’s up to the Pope, he thinks it’s just fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump asserted.
The American-born pope rejected that criticism, saying the mission of the church is to preach the Gospel of peace.
“If someone wants to criticize me for proclaiming the Gospel, let him do so truthfully,” Leo said, according to a Catholic news outlet. “For years, the Church has spoken out against all nuclear weapons, so there is no doubt on that point.”
Last month, Trump launched a broadside against the Pope, following a Sunday-night “60 Minutes” episode featuring prominent American cardinals who offered several critiques of the Trump administration.
Hours later, Trump slammed the Pope as “WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.”
“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon,” Trump said on Truth Social. “Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician.”
In a gaggle with reporters, the president piled on.
“I don’t think he’s doing a very good job. He likes crime I guess,” Trump said at Joint Base Andrews. “I’m not a big fan of Pope Leo. He’s a very liberal person.”
Pope Leo has not backed away from his criticism, though he has insisted he does not seek a political confrontation with the White House.
“I have no fear of the Trump administration or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do, what the Church is here to do,” Leo told reporters aboard the papal plane. “We are not politicians. We don’t deal with foreign policy with the same perspective he might understand it, but I do believe in the message of the Gospel, as a peacemaker.”
In response to a personal attack by President Donald Trump the night before, Pope Leo told journalists on the papal plane to Algeria:
“I have no fear of the Trump administration or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do, what… pic.twitter.com/zV6FuacGSM
— Courtney Mares (@catholicourtney) April 13, 2026
Thursday’s meeting between Rubio and Pope Leo suggests both sides may be looking to find common ground and shift towards private diplomacy over public attacks.
“We share with the Catholic Church a concern about the destruction of religious liberty, the persecution of Christian minorities, and also, you know, the challenges that are being faced by Christians in Africa,” Rubio said at a recent White House press briefing. “So the trip is really not tied to anything other than the fact that it would be normal for us to engage with them.”
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