Rubio to Visit Vatican and Italy Amid Transatlantic Tensions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to the Vatican and Italy this week to discuss international issues and tensions between the United States and Europe, Italian newspapers La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera reported.

Rubio is expected to meet Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Cardinal Parolin. It remains unclear whether he will also hold talks with Pope Leo XIV, who has recently voiced indirect criticism of policies pursued by the administration of President Donald Trump, particularly regarding the war with Iran.

The visit is also set to include meetings with Italy’s foreign and defence ministers. The talks aim to ease tensions following recent criticism of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni by Trump.

The trip comes amid strained transatlantic relations, influenced by decisions on the redeployment of US troops in Europe and ongoing trade disputes with allies. The Pentagon recently announced the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from bases in Germany.

(reuters, sab)