U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to the Vatican and Italy this week in an effort to ease tensions with key allies after a series of clashes involving U.S. President Donald Trump, Pope Leo XIV and the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

Rubio, a practicing Catholic, is scheduled to meet Pope Leo on Thursday. The visit comes after Trump repeatedly criticized the Chicago-born pontiff over his comments on immigration, war, and nuclear weapons. Leo has defended his remarks, saying he is simply promoting the Gospel’s message of peace and rejecting claims that he supports Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.

The pope recently emphasized that the Catholic Church has long opposed nuclear weapons and argued that modern warfare, especially in the nuclear age, demands renewed emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy.

Rubio will also meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, both of whom have defended the pope and criticized the legality of the Iran conflict, drawing criticism from Trump.

The tensions escalated after Trump accused Leo on social media of being weak on terrorism and supportive of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The president later sparked backlash with a controversial image appearing to compare himself to Jesus Christ, which was eventually deleted.

Rubio has attempted to frame Trump’s criticism as rooted in concerns about Iran developing nuclear weapons, arguing that such weapons could threaten millions worldwide, including Christians.

Political analysts in Italy say Rubio’s visit is aimed not only at repairing diplomatic relations but also at strengthening his own standing among Catholic voters and international allies ahead of future political ambitions in the United States.

The Vatican, meanwhile, appears intent on maintaining open communication despite the tensions. Observers say the decision to proceed with Rubio’s audience with the pope signals a willingness to continue dialogue even amid sharp disagreements.

In addition to Iran, discussions are expected to include Cuba, where the Vatican has expressed concern over Trump administration rhetoric hinting at possible future military action following the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro earlier this year.

Rubio, whose family emigrated from Cuba, said humanitarian aid to the island has partly been distributed through the Catholic Church, highlighting another area where Washington and the Vatican continue to cooperate despite broader diplomatic strains.