US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pope Leo XIV held their long-awaited meeting today, as details of what was discussed were revealed.
It is reported that the meeting discussed "the situation in the Middle East and topics of mutual interest in the Western Hemisphere," according to a brief announcement of their meeting today from the US State Department.
"The meeting underscored the strong relationship between the United States and the Holy See and their shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity," a State Department spokesperson said.
Rubio stayed inside the Apostolic Palace for more than two hours, according to journalists present on the ground. It is not clear how long his meeting with the Pope lasted, as the visit also included a meeting with other Vatican officials.
Thursday's meeting came after a period of historic tension between Washington and the Vatican, with US President Donald Trump repeatedly attacking the US-born Pope for his opposition to the Iran war.
Rubio said before the meeting that he planned to discuss Cuba with the Pope as well. The Trump administration has distributed millions of dollars in humanitarian aid to the island through the Catholic Church.
