“I think most people cannot understand why anyone would think that it’s a good idea for Iran to ever have a nuclear weapon,” said Marco Rubio ahead of his meeting with Pope Leo on May 7, 2026. This private audience comes at a time when relations between the Trump administration and the Vatican are increasingly strained over foreign policy issues.
As the U.S. Secretary of State, Rubio is expected to address crucial topics such as Middle East policy during his visit. The backdrop includes recent comments from President Trump, who publicly criticized Pope Leo for allegedly supporting Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Pope Leo has countered that “the church’s mission is to preach the Gospel and peace,” emphasizing a commitment to dialogue rather than confrontation. Cardinal Pietro Parolin remarked, “We understand that not everyone is on the same page; but let’s say that this is the pope’s response.” This reflects an ongoing challenge for Rubio as he attempts to bridge differing perspectives.
Rubio’s visit aims not only to improve bilateral relations with the Vatican but also with Italy. With average fuel prices in the U.S. now at $4.48 per gallon, up from $3.17 a year ago, he has highlighted America’s position as a net exporter of oil—a situation he described as fortunate.
In light of these discussions, Rubio’s cautious tone regarding negotiations with Iran seems prudent. He noted that while some forecasted much higher gas prices, they are currently not as severe as anticipated.
The meeting marks Rubio as the first high-level official from the Trump administration to engage with the pope since May 19, 2025. As tensions rise over international policies, especially concerning Iran, this dialogue may prove pivotal.
