U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Pope Leo at the Vatican on Thursday (May 7, 2026) for talks expected to address growing diplomatic friction over the pontiff's criticism of U.S.-Israeli military actions in Iran, according to U.S. Ambassador Brian Burch. President Donald Trump publicly rebuked the pope this week, escalating tensions between the Holy See and the U.S. administration.

Burch described the upcoming meeting as an opportunity for "frank" and "authentic dialogue," emphasizing the importance of diplomatic engagement despite disagreements. He stressed that nations can manage differences through mutual respect and direct communication, a sentiment echoed by Vatican officials who confirmed the agenda will include global conflicts and humanitarian concerns.

The U.S.-led military campaign in Iran, conducted jointly with Israel, has drawn widespread international scrutiny and condemnation from religious and human rights groups. The pope's vocal opposition has placed the Holy See at odds with the Trump administration, which has dismissed the criticism as interference in sovereign defense decisions.

The meeting will take place at the Apostolic Palace and is expected to last approximately 30 minutes, with no joint press briefing scheduled. The Vatican press office said the pontiff plans to reiterate his call for de-escalation in the Middle East.