As he arrived in Italy on Thursday, May 7, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio headed to the Vatican, where he met in the Apostolic Palace with Pope Leo XIV.

According to a communique from the Holy See Press Office, the “cordial talks” saw both states renew “the shared commitment to fostering sound bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States of America.”

Their encounter also included an exchange of views "regarding situations on the regional and international levels, with particular attention given to countries experiencing war, political tensions and difficult humanitarian situations as well as the need to work tirelessly for peace."

Separately, the Holy See Press Office said discussions about countries enduring war included some African and Middle Eastern countries, such as Lebanon and Iran.

They also spoke about Cuba, which has seen heightened tensions with the US recently.