“WE’LL LISTEN TO HIM”

The US diplomat, a devout Catholic, had earlier sought to play down the rift between Trump and the pope, which sparked global headlines and risked alienating Catholic US voters.

The US ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Burch, told reporters this week it would likely be a “frank conversation”.

For the Vatican’s part, “we’ll listen to him”, Parolin had said on Wednesday, noting that Washington initiated the meeting.

The Trump administration had celebrated the election one year ago – May 8, 2025 – of Leo, the first US pontiff in history.

But its relations with the Holy See have since sharply deteriorated.

Trump’s unprecedented attack came after Leo called for peace in the Middle East war launched by Israel and the United States.

The pontiff condemned a threat by Trump to destroy Iranian civilisation as “truly unacceptable”.

Before leaving for Rome, Rubio said the trip had been planned before the clash, adding: “There’s a lot to talk about with the Vatican.”

On Thursday, a US source hailed the welcome extended to Rubio, saying it “exceeded expectations”.

Rubio’s motorcade entered the Vatican through the Arch of Bells, an honour normally accorded to heads of state, and he was greeted by the Swiss Guard.