Pope Leo XIV Receives Rubio Amid US-Vatican Tensions

Pope Leo XIV has received US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican amid growing tensions between the Holy See and the administration of President Donald Trump.

Relations have been strained after the Pope criticized both the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran and Washington's migration policy. Trump has since repeatedly attacked the head of the Catholic Church in public statements.

According to the US side, the talks covered topics including religious freedom and the situation in the Western Hemisphere. The meeting lasted longer than expected.

Pope Leo XIV also reiterated that the Church rejects nuclear weapons and that its mission is to spread peace. Despite sharp political disputes, US diplomacy said the meeting confirmed the continuation of strong relations between the two sides.

(reuters, mja)