politics
May 8, 2026
Marco Rubio's Unusual Gift to Pope Leo XIV on His Visit to the Vatican: Did He Think It Through?
In an effort to 'turn the page' on the recent diplomatic crisis, Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a meeting on Thursday, May 7, in the Apostolic Palace with Pope Leo XIV.
TL;DR
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 7.
- The meeting was intended to move past a recent diplomatic crisis sparked by President Trump's comments about the Pope.
- Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, gifted Rubio an olive wood pen.
- Rubio reciprocated with a crystal American football.
- Both leaders emphasized the importance of peace and human dignity.
- The U.S. Department of State described the meeting as 'friendly and constructive'.
- The Vatican highlighted the need to work tirelessly for peace, a point sensitive given the Pope's anti-war stance.
- The U.S. government statement stressed the solidity of relations and a shared commitment to peace, human dignity, and religious freedom.