Pope Leo XIV met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, presented a gift bearing a message of peace, and affirmed the will of both sides to improve relations amid recent tensions.
In a meeting on the 7th (local time) at the Vatican, the pope gave Minister Rubio an olive-wood pen engraved with the papal coat of arms. As the olive tree symbolizes peace, the gesture was seen as underscoring the importance of peace amid the international climate, including the Middle East war.
The two sides held talks for about 45 minutes and discussed the Middle East situation, including U.S.-Iran tensions, and international issues. The U.S. State Department said the meeting served to reaffirm their close relationship and shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity. The Holy See also emphasized its intention to advance bilateral relations.
Minister Rubio presented the pope with a crystal American football, and after the meeting said they had "confirmed a shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity."
The meeting took place as tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and the pope over Middle East issues have flared, and is seen as a "thaw" signal toward easing relations.
Minister Rubio also met the Vatican secretary of state the same day to discuss Middle East peace, and was then scheduled to hold talks with the Italian prime minister.