Topline
The U.S. State Department touted what it described as an “enduring partnership” between the U.S. and Pope Leo after Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the pope for more than two hours Thursday, amid President Donald Trump’s feud with the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV meets with U.S. Secretary Of State Marco Rubio during an audience at the Apostolic Palace on May 07, 2026 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Simone Risoluti – Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
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Key Facts
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Pope Leo XIV exchanges gifts with U.S. Secretary Of State Marco Rubio during an audience at the Apostolic Palace on May 07, 2026 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Simone Risoluti – Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
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Pope Leo XIV poses with U.S. Secretary Of State Marco Rubio during an audience at the Apostolic Palace on May 07, 2026 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Simone Risoluti – Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
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Pope Leo XIV meets with U.S. Secretary Of State Marco Rubio during an audience at the Apostolic Palace on May 07, 2026 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Simone Risoluti – Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
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Pope Leo XIV poses with U.S. Secretary Of State Marco Rubio, his wife Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio and delegation during an audience at the Apostolic Palace on May 07, 2026 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Simone Risoluti – Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
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Pope Leo XIV exchanges gifts with U.S. Secretary Of State Marco Rubio during an audience at the Apostolic Palace on May 07, 2026 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Simone Risoluti – Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
Getty Images