Rubio to meet Pope Leo as Trump keeps up attacks on pontiff

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. This visit marks the first meeting between a Trump cabinet official and the pope in nearly a year. The timing of Rubio's visit coincides with renewed public attacks from President Donald Trump against Pope Leo, who has faced criticism from Trump regarding the Iran war. Trump has accused the pope of supporting Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons, further escalating tensions between the two. The visit comes amid a broader context of Trump's ongoing feud with the pope, which has included disparaging remarks about Pope Leo's stance on various issues. In addition to his criticisms of the pope, Trump has also directed his ire toward Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for defending the pontiff. This situation highlights the contentious relationship between the Trump administration and the Vatican, particularly regarding foreign policy matters. Rubio has stated that his trip to the Vatican is not intended to address or mitigate the tensions between Trump and Pope Leo. Instead, the visit appears to be a diplomatic engagement separate from the ongoing disputes. The meeting is significant as it represents an opportunity for dialogue between U.S. officials and the Vatican, despite the backdrop of conflict between Trump and the pope.