rki.news | Sources: Anadolu
Rome: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Rome on Thursday for high-level meetings at the Vatican and with Italian officials amid growing international diplomatic tensions.
According to Italian media reports, Rubio landed at Ciampino Airport under heightened security before heading to the Vatican. Accompanied by US Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch, he was welcomed by Monsignor Petar Rajic before entering the Apostolic Palace for talks with Pope Leo XIV.
The closed-door meeting between the pontiff and Rubio was expected to last around 30 minutes. Rubio was also scheduled to meet Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s top diplomat, following discussions with the pope.
The visit comes during ongoing diplomatic engagement involving the United States, Europe, and the Vatican on international security and geopolitical developments. Rubio is also expected to hold talks on Friday with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The Vatican meeting follows recent tensions between the White House and the pope after US President Donald Trump criticized the pontiff over comments related to Iran and nuclear issues.
Reports also said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met the pope shortly before Rubio’s arrival.