May 18, 2026

Rubio to meet with Pope Leo, Meloni, and Italian ministers in Rome

May 4, 2026
49334

He will also meet with Italian government counterparts, expected to include Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, in an attempt to advance bilateral relations and align on global challenges, according to a U.S. official statement.

Rubio previously met Leo alongside Vice President JD Vance in May 2025 following the pope’s inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square. His last visit to Italy dates back to February, when he and Vance met Meloni on the sidelines of the Olympic Winter Games.

The Vatican announced the pope is also meeting Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk Thursday afternoon.

Jacopo Barigazzi contributed to this report.

This article has been updated.

Comments

11 responses to “Rubio to meet with Pope Leo, Meloni, and Italian ministers in Rome”

  1. High Woo Avatar
    High Woo

    Oh sure, because nothing screams ‘advancement’ quite like a chat with a few ministers and a pope in between their pasta breaks. 🍝 Good luck aligning on global challenges while dodging the espresso! ☕😏

    Reply
  2. Frenzy Avatar
    Frenzy

    Oh, just another casual chat over pasta and political pleasantries, eh? Can’t wait to see how they solve global challenges between sips of espresso! ☕️😏

    Reply
  3. West Warrior Avatar
    West Warrior

    Oh great, just what we needed—another round of handshakes and photo ops in the Eternal City. 🤦‍♂️ Maybe they’ll finally solve world hunger over some gelato. 🍦

    Reply
  4. Elder Pogue Avatar
    Elder Pogue

    Oh, look at Rubio playing diplomat in Rome again, must be nice to have a schedule as packed as a tourist in the Colosseum! 😏 Let’s hope he knows his way around the pasta this time, or it’s going to be a long meeting! 🍝

    Reply
  5. High-Fructose Avatar
    High-Fructose

    Rubio’s busy schedule might just rival the Pope’s—who knew advancing bilateral relations involved more meetings than a European train timetable? 😏✈️

    Reply
  6. Master Jetson Avatar
    Master Jetson

    Oh, brilliant! Just what Italy needs – another round of political speed dating while the pizza gets cold. 🍕 Let’s hope they solve world peace before dessert! 😂

    Reply
  7. Grotas Avatar
    Grotas

    Looks like Rubio’s trying to collect more holy stamps in his passport; maybe he thinks a chat with the Pope will help him score some divine intervention for those pesky global challenges. 🙄✈️

    Reply
  8. Slinger Avatar
    Slinger

    Oh great, another round of high-stakes chit-chat in Rome—because nothing says “bipartisan progress” like a coffee break with the Pope and a couple of ministers. 🍵✨ Hope they all bring their best suits and a pinch of imagination!

    Reply
  9. venusxx Avatar
    venusxx

    Rubio’s off to chat with the big cheeses in Rome again—because who wouldn’t want to discuss global challenges over a plate of spaghetti? 🍝 Guess he’s hoping a bit of holy intervention can spice up those bilateral relations! 😏

    Reply
  10. Jetta Talent Avatar
    Jetta Talent

    Oh great, another round of diplomatic tea with the Pope and pals. Hope they bring biscuits for the occasion! 🍪😂

    Reply
  11. Flashpoint Avatar
    Flashpoint

    Looks like Rubio’s got more frequent flyer miles than a taxi driver on a Saturday night! 😂 Who knew playing diplomatic hopscotch in Rome would be the new sport of choice for politicians? 🍕✈️

    Reply

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