Rubio to meet Pope Leo amid Trump’s escalating criticism of pontiff

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Pope Leo at the Vatican on Thursday in what observers expect to be a sensitive diplomatic encounter, as tensions continue between the pontiff and US President Donald Trump.

The private meeting, taking place at the Apostolic Palace, will mark the first time in nearly a year that a senior Trump administration official has held formal talks with the pope. Rubio is also expected to meet Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s top diplomat, following the discussion.

Relations between Trump and Pope Leo — the first American pope in history, have become increasingly strained in recent weeks. The pope has openly criticised the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, as well as the Trump administration’s immigration policies, prompting repeated public attacks from the president.

Earlier this week, Trump accused the pope of undermining Catholics and falsely claimed Leo supported Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. In response, Pope Leo reiterated the Catholic Church’s longstanding opposition to nuclear arms and said his mission remained focused on promoting peace and spreading the Christian message.

The pope has also become more vocal on global political issues during his first year as leader of the Catholic Church. During a recent visit to Africa, he criticised what he described as destructive global leadership, warning that the world was being harmed by authoritarian tendencies, remarks later clarified as not directly aimed at Trump.

Rubio, a Catholic himself, said he expects to discuss issues including Cuba and religious freedom during the Vatican visit. US Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch described the upcoming conversation between the two sides as likely to be “frank.”

The visit comes as Rubio continues a two-day trip to Italy, where he is also expected to meet Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has publicly defended Pope Leo amid growing political tensions.