Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJoshua McElwee & Giulia SegretiSunday 03 May 2026 17:30 BSTPope Leo says ‘not in my interest at all’ to debate TrumpU.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to travel to Italy this week for a significant meeting with Pope Leo, marking the first in-person encounter between the pontiff and a U.S. cabinet official in nearly a year.The meeting occurs amidst public criticisms from President Donald Trump directed at Pope Leo, who has emerged as a vocal critic of the U.S.-Israeli-led war with Iran and the administration's stringent anti-immigration policies.Beyond the Vatican, Rubio is also expected to engage with Italy’s foreign and defense ministers, with reports suggesting the trip aims to alleviate tensions between the two nations following President Trump’s recent criticism of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.This diplomatic visit follows the Pentagon’s announcement of a drawdown of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, highlighting growing strains in U.S.-Europe relations fueled by disagreements over the Iran war and tariff disputes.Italy maintains a substantial U.S. military presence, hosting nearly 13,000 active-duty soldiers across six bases, underscoring the strategic importance of the region amid these evolving international relations.In fullMarco Rubio heading to Italy to speak with Pope Leo amid rising tensions with Trump adminThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in