Vatican city: Pope Leo XIV will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, the Vatican said Monday, just weeks after serious criticism of the pontiff by U.S. President Donald Trump. The private visit with the top U.S. diplomat, who is Catholic, will take place at 11:30 am (0930 GMT), according to a calendar published on the Vatican's media site.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, the meeting between Pope Leo XIV and Secretary Rubio comes at a significant time, following recent tensions between the Vatican and the U.S. administration. The agenda for the meeting has not been disclosed, but it is anticipated that discussions could address some of the diplomatic strains that have emerged.
The Vatican's announcement of the meeting emphasizes the continued dialogue between the Holy See and the United States, despite recent criticisms. This visit underscores the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations and open communication channels between the two entities.