ROME: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Rome this week, where he will meet Pope Leo following recent tensions between the Vatican and former US President Donald Trump, according to sources.

The meeting, expected to take place on Thursday, is being seen as an effort to ease strained relations after Trump’s sharp criticism of the Pope’s anti-war stance.

Reports indicate that Rubio will also hold discussions with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani during his visit.

Additionally, meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Defence Minister Guido Crosetto are expected, highlighting broader diplomatic efforts amid growing transatlantic disagreements, particularly over the Middle East conflict.

Pope Leo, who became the first American pope in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis, has been vocal on global issues. His recent statements criticizing war and immigration policies have drawn attention in Washington.

His increasing anti-war remarks, especially after recent US-Israel tensions involving Iran, reportedly triggered criticism from Trump, leading to the current diplomatic friction.