"Pope Leo XIV and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met on Thursday during the latter's trip to Rome, with hopes of improving relations between the Vatican and Washington at a time when United States President Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked the pontiff. On Friday, Leo marks his first year leading the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church."
"The Vatican said in a statement following the first meeting between the pope and a Trump cabinet official in nearly a year amid an atmosphere of tension with Washington. The meeting appeared to have run longer than planned. The pope arrived 40 minutes late for a subsequent meeting with Vatican staffers and thanked them for being patient. Rubio also met with senior Vatican officials, including top diplomat Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin."
"The US embassy to the Holy See wrote in an X post that Leo and Rubio had discussed topics of mutual interest in the Western Hemisphere. The Vatican statement added that the two had exchanged views on the world situation and spoke about the need to work tirelessly in favour of peace. Vatican video from the beginning of the closed-door meeting with Rubio showed Leo shaking hands with his guest and addressing him formally as Mr Secretary, to which Rubio, a Catholic, responded: Great to see you."
"Rubio was also seen giving the pope a small crystal football. He joked that he knew that Leo, originally from Chicago and known as a fan of the White Sox, was more of a baseball guy. Leo gave Rubio a small pen made from wood from an olive tree, which he called the plant of peace. Rubio had told a White House briefing on Tuesday he expected to discuss Cuba and concerns over religi"
Pope Leo XIV met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome during Rubio’s trip, aiming to improve relations between the Vatican and Washington. The Vatican said the pope and Rubio renewed their shared commitment to fostering good bilateral relations, following the first meeting between the pope and a Trump cabinet official in nearly a year. The meeting ran longer than planned, with the pope arriving 40 minutes late for a subsequent meeting and thanking Vatican staff for their patience. Rubio met senior Vatican officials, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The US embassy reported that the pope and Rubio discussed topics of mutual interest in the Western Hemisphere. The Vatican said they exchanged views on the world situation and emphasized working tirelessly for peace.
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