Ruptly
"US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived at the Vatican for a meeting with Pope Leo XIV in the Apostolic Palace on Thursday, a visit Washington claims is unrelated to recent diplomatic friction between Washington and the Holy See. Footage filmed in the San Damaso Courtyard shows Rubio entering Vatican City and greeting the Prefect of the Papal Household, Archbishop Petar Raji, before proceeding to the papal meeting. Rubio, a Catholic and one of President Donald Trump’s senior diplomats, later met Pope Leo XIV for talks covering bilateral relations and broader international issues, including global conflicts and ongoing tensions surrounding Iran. Rubio was accompanied by his wife, Jeanette Dousdebes, who was seen arriving at the Vatican and taking part in the official welcome. She was also present during parts of the meeting and the subsequent photo session. Images from the encounter show Pope Leo XIV and Rubio exchanging gifts during the audience. The items included papal commemorative gifts and Vatican ceremonial items, alongside diplomatic presents brought by the US delegation. The meeting follows weeks of public tension between the White House and the Vatican, including US President Donald Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV over his stance on Iran. Trump accused the pontiff of being 'weak' on the issue and said his position was 'endangering' Catholics. The Vatican rejected suggestions that Pope Leo XIV supports Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, reiterating the Catholic Church’s long-standing opposition to nuclear arms. Earlier in the week, Rubio dismissed claims that the visit was an effort to repair relations, describing it as a routine diplomatic engagement and noting that previous Secretaries of State had undertaken similar trips. Rubio has previously met Pope Leo XIV in a private audience shortly after the pontiff’s inauguration in May 2025."
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