Rubio will visit Rome to resolve the conflict between Trump and Meloni

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will arrive in Italy next week on an official visit aimed at “resetting” relations with the Vatican and the Italian government. The trip comes amid a sharp deterioration in relations following Donald Trump’s public criticism of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Pope Leo XIV. 

This was reported by Corriere della Sera.

The visit’s itinerary includes key meetings on May 7 and 8:

• May 7 (Thursday): Rubio will hold talks at the Vatican with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Pietro Parolin, and meet with the Pope.

• May 8 (Friday): Talks are scheduled with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto.

• Additionally: The U.S. Secretary of State has also requested a separate meeting with Giorgia Meloni to personally resolve the tension between the leaders.

The diplomatic crisis was triggered by statements from Trump, who called the Pope “weak” and criticized Meloni for refusing to support a U.S. military operation against Iran. The U.S. president publicly expressed disappointment with the Italian prime minister, stating that she “does not want to help” Washington in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz. Italy, in response, called such remarks unacceptable, emphasizing the independence of its foreign policy.

Rubio’s mission is seen as an attempt to preserve the strategic partnership, as Italy remains an important ally of the U.S., hosting approximately 15,000 American troops. In addition to bilateral relations, the parties plan to discuss coordinating efforts to deter Russian aggression and stabilize the situation in the Middle East. Resolving this scandal is critical for the unity of the Western bloc amid global security challenges. Currently, official Washington is attempting to steer the dialogue back onto a constructive track.