US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to hold a private meeting with Pope Leo at the Vatican's apostolic palace this Thursday. The Holy See's press office confirmed the engagement on Monday, following earlier media reports, stating the meeting will take place at 11:30 BST (10:30 GMT).
This high-level diplomatic engagement comes weeks after President Donald Trump issued a broadside against the Pontiff, a move widely considered unprecedented in modern US-Vatican relations. Secretary Rubio's two-day visit to the region is reportedly intended to thaw the frosty relations that have developed between Washington, the Vatican, and Italy.
Pope Leo, the first US-born pontiff, will host Secretary Rubio in what is expected to be a significant step towards mending diplomatic ties. The US Secretary of State’s itinerary suggests a concerted effort to recalibrate the relationship following recent public disagreements.
Government departments in Washington have not officially detailed the specific agenda for the discussions, but observers anticipate topics will likely include areas of mutual concern and potential avenues for improved cooperation, given the recent strain in relations.