Diplomacy at the Vatican: US Pursues Middle East Peace

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's Vatican visit focused on Middle East peace efforts and easing tensions following US criticisms of Pope Leo XIV. Discussions with Vatican leaders highlighted shared commitments to peace, human dignity, and religious freedom, underscoring strong US-Holy See relations.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in high-level talks at the Vatican on Thursday to address efforts for enduring peace in the Middle East. This diplomatic endeavor aimed to alleviate tensions sparked by US President Donald Trump's earlier criticisms of Pope Leo XIV.

During his 2½-hour visit, Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV and later with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State. Discussions centered on issues in the Middle East and matters of mutual interest in the Western Hemisphere. According to US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott, the meeting highlighted the strong relationship between the United States and the Holy See, emphasizing a shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity.

In a separate statement, Pigott noted that Rubio's conversation with Parolin focused on ongoing humanitarian efforts in the Western Hemisphere alongside strategies for achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. This exchange underscored the enduring partnership between the United States and the Holy See in advancing religious freedom and other shared goals.