Marco Rubio is expected to visit Rome and the Vatican this week for meetings with Italian and Vatican officials

Why is Rubio’s trip drawing attention?

The trip comes after public disputes involving President Trump, Pope Leo XIV and Prime Minister Meloni, so the meetings are being watched as an effort to steady U.S. relations with both Italy and the Vatican NYT,infobae,Guardian.

Who is Rubio expected to meet?

Reports say Rubio is expected to meet Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, with Italian media also reporting a meeting with Defense Minister Guido Crosetto; several outlets also said he was expected to meet Pope Leo XIV ANSA.it,ANSA.it,infobae,Fox News.

What remains unresolved about the visit?

At the time of reporting, parts of Rubio’s schedule were still not finalized: some outlets said a papal meeting had not yet appeared on the official Vatican agenda, and reports also said Rubio had requested a meeting with Meloni that had not yet been confirmed ANSA.it,Guardian,USA Today.