Rubio Plays Down Trump-Pope Tensions After Vatican Visit

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States can maintain productive relations with the Catholic Church despite tensions between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV, following a visit to the Vatican on Thursday that he described as very positive.

"I think we can do that and continue to also have a very productive and fruitful and important relationship with the church, because it plays an important role in the world as well", Rubio said.

Tensions between Washington and the Vatican have been fuelled by Trump's repeated criticism of the pope, particularly over his comments on the war with Iran and other international issues. Rubio stressed that he believes Trump is acting in the interests of the United States and presenting his views on US policy openly.

Rubio also addressed the situation in Cuba, which is facing an energy crisis following a reduction in oil supplies caused by US sanctions. He said the US had provided $6m in humanitarian aid to the Cuban people through the Church. Washington has also offered the Cuban government a further $100m, but Havana has refused to distribute it among the population.

On Thursday, the United States imposed new sanctions on a company controlled by the Cuban military and on a joint mining venture, with the measures aimed at increasing pressure on the Cuban leadership to pursue reforms.

(reuters, max)