Bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States need “a renewed commitment” and, to continue the dialogue, it is necessary to “work tirelessly in favor of peace”. This is the message that comes from the Vatican at the end of the meeting between the Pope and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
A first step after the tensions
The face-to-face meeting, which lasted about 45 minutes, represents the first sign of a thaw after the tensions of recent months. The Holy See spoke, as per practice, of “cordial discussions”, a formula rarely used with different nuances, but in this case summarized in a few particularly thoughtful lines.
On the other hand, the American administration underlined “the solidity of relations between the United States and the Holy See” and the common commitment to peace and human dignity, issuing a hot note immediately after the meeting.
The issues on the table
The meeting addressed the main international dossiers: the Middle East, with particular attention to Iran and Lebanon, as well as the conflicts in Africa and the situation in Cuba, indicated as deserving of “attention for the suffering of that people”. :contentReference(oaicite:3){index=3}
Subsequently, Rubio also met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and the person responsible for relations with States Paul Richard Gallagher, continuing the discussion on the most delicate issues on the international scene.
Caution from the “sacred palaces”
However, a cautious attitude remains in the Vatican. The meeting is not defined as a turning point, but a start of dialogue, with the Pope reiterating the priorities of the Holy See without granting easy openings.
Rubio’s overall visit lasted more than two and a half hours, a significant amount of time considering the standards of the hearings. Among the symbolic moments, the exchange of gifts: the Pope handed over an olive wood pen, “the plant of peace”, while the US Secretary of State reciprocated with a paperweight.
Having archived his visit to the Vatican, Rubio will continue his institutional visit to Italy with a meeting at Palazzo Chigi with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.