US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Francis and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a visit to the Vatican on Monday. The high-level discussions focused on a range of global issues, including international security, humanitarian crises, and the promotion of peace.
Meeting with Pope Francis
Rubio's audience with Pope Francis lasted approximately 30 minutes, during which they discussed the importance of multilateral cooperation and the role of faith in addressing global challenges. The Vatican described the talks as 'cordial and constructive', emphasizing shared concerns for the poor and vulnerable.
Bilateral Talks with Meloni
Following the papal audience, Rubio held a separate meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The two leaders reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties between the United States and Italy, particularly in areas such as trade, defense, and energy security. They also exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East.
This visit marks Rubio's first official trip to the Vatican since becoming Secretary of State. It underscores the Biden administration's commitment to engaging with key allies and international institutions to address pressing global issues. The meetings come ahead of the upcoming G7 summit, where further discussions are expected.
