Marco Rubio to visit Rome, reportedly to ‘thaw’ US relations with Italy
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Rome on the one-year anniversary of Pope Leo's papacy, with the trip aimed at improving strained relations between the US, Italy, and the Vatican. The visit follows President Donald Trump's public clash with Pope Leo over the US-Israeli war on Iran and threats to withdraw US troops from Italy. Rubio will meet Vatican and Italian officials, though a meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has not yet been confirmed.
- ▪Marco Rubio will visit Rome on Thursday and Friday, marking the one-year anniversary of Pope Leo's papacy.
- ▪Rubio is scheduled to meet Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, but a meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has not been confirmed.
- ▪The trip follows President Trump's criticism of Pope Leo and threats to withdraw US troops from Italy after Rome refused to allow a Sicilian airbase to be used for weapons shipments in the war on Iran.
- ▪US Ambassador Tilman Fertitta reportedly announced Rubio's visit in a letter, signaling efforts to rebuild relations between the US and Italy.
- ▪The Pentagon recently announced the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany, amid escalating tensions between the US and European allies over the war on Iran.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Marco Rubio speaks to the media during a meeting with the president of the Conference of Italian Bishops, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, in Rome in May 2025. Photograph: Gregorio Borgia/ReutersView image in fullscreenMarco Rubio speaks to the media during a meeting with the president of the Conference of Italian Bishops, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, in Rome in May 2025. Photograph: Gregorio Borgia/ReutersMarco RubioMarco Rubio to visit Rome, reportedly to ‘thaw’ US relations with ItalyUS secretary of state will be in Italian capital on Thursday and Friday, the one-year anniversary of Pope Leo’s papacyAngela Giuffrida in RomeSun 3 May 2026 06.43 EDTLast modified on Sun 3 May 2026 06.44 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleUS secretary of state Marco Rubio will travel to Rome this week, a visit…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at World news | The Guardian.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from World news | The Guardian
