Secretary of State Marco Rubio Describes ‘Cordial and Important’ Meeting with Pope Leo XIV, Briefs Pontiff on Iran Threat (Video)

VATICAN CITY — Secretary of State Marco Rubio met privately with Pope Leo XIV on May 7 and later revealed that he updated the pontiff on the U.S. perspective regarding Iran, emphasizing the dangers the regime poses to global security.

Rubio spoke to reporters after the roughly 45-minute closed-door audience at the Apostolic Palace. He said he “updated them on the situation with Iran, expressed our point of view about why this was important and the danger that Iran poses to the world, which is largely recognized.” Rubio described the exchange as “a very cordial and important meeting” and “very positive,” noting that the Holy Father’s role is that of a spiritual leader focused on peace and humanity.

The meeting marked the first between Pope Leo XIV and a Trump administration cabinet official in nearly a year. It took place amid ongoing U.S.-Vatican discussions on the Middle East conflict, humanitarian concerns, and bilateral relations. Rubio also addressed topics of mutual interest in the Western Hemisphere, including religious freedom and humanitarian aid efforts.

The Holy See Press Office confirmed the talks were cordial and reaffirmed the shared commitment to strong relations between the Holy See and the United States. Vatican officials said the two sides exchanged views on regional and international situations, with particular attention to countries facing war, political tensions, and difficult humanitarian conditions, as well as the need to pursue peace.

Rubio presented the pope with a crystal football paperweight, lightheartedly referencing the Chicago-born pontiff’s interest in baseball. Pope Leo reciprocated with a pen made from olive wood, calling it a symbol of “the plant of peace.”

The discussion occurred as the Trump administration continues diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict with Iran, including a fragile ceasefire and naval blockade. Rubio’s briefing underscored the administration’s national security concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional destabilization.

No further details on specific agreements or follow-up actions were released. The State Department described the encounter as underscoring the strong relationship between the United States and the Holy See.

The meeting marked the first between Pope Leo XIV and a Trump administration cabinet official in nearly a year. It took place amid ongoing U.S.-Vatican discussions on the Middle East conflict, humanitarian concerns, and bilateral relations. Rubio also addressed topics of mutual interest in the Western Hemisphere, including religious freedom and humanitarian aid efforts.

The Holy See Press Office confirmed the talks were cordial and reaffirmed the shared commitment to strong relations between the Holy See and the United States. Vatican officials said the two sides exchanged views on regional and international situations, with particular attention to countries facing war, political tensions, and difficult humanitarian conditions, as well as the need to pursue peace.

Rubio presented the pope with a crystal football paperweight, lightheartedly referencing the Chicago-born pontiff’s interest in baseball. Pope Leo reciprocated with a pen made from olive wood, calling it a symbol of “the plant of peace.”

The discussion occurred as the Trump administration continues diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict with Iran, including a fragile ceasefire and naval blockade. Rubio’s briefing underscored the administration’s national security concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional destabilization.

No further details on specific agreements or follow-up actions were released. The State Department described the encounter as underscoring the strong relationship between the United States and the Holy See.