By Zoila Palma: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Thursday as relations between Washington and the Holy See remain strained following repeated public criticisms from President Donald Trump.
The meeting focused on the Middle East, humanitarian concerns, and issues affecting countries in the Western Hemisphere, CNN reports.
According to the U.S. State Department, the talks highlighted the strong relationship between the United States and the Vatican, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to peace and human dignity. Vatican officials said discussions also touched on conflicts in Africa, tensions in Iran and Lebanon, and humanitarian challenges facing Cuba. Rubio later met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher during his visit to the Apostolic Palace in Rome.
The meeting comes weeks after Trump publicly attacked Pope Leo over the pontiff’s criticism of U.S. military actions in Iran and his continued support for migrants and refugees.
In social media posts, Trump accused the pope of being weak on foreign policy and claimed his views were harming the Catholic Church. Pope Leo responded by saying he had “no fear” of the administration and would continue advocating for peace while avoiding direct political confrontation with the president.
Rubio, a devout Catholic, dismissed suggestions that the visit was intended to repair relations between the Vatican and Washington.
Speaking before the trip, he said it was normal for the United States to maintain dialogue with the Holy See, especially on humanitarian matters such as aid to Cuba.
The post International News: U.S. Secretary of State Rubio and Pope Leo discuss Middle East and humanitarian concerns appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Thursday as relations between Washington and the Holy See remain strained following repeated public criticisms from President Donald Trump. The meeting focused on the Middle East, humanitarian concerns, and issues affecting countries in the Western Hemisphere, CNN
The post International News: U.S. Secretary of State Rubio and Pope Leo discuss Middle East and humanitarian concerns appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
