Trump lashes out at Pope Leo again ahead of Rubio trip to Rome

The Washington Post reports that President Trump has publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV over the pontiff's stance on Iran, with this tension coming ahead of Secretary of State Marco Rubio's scheduled trip to Rome. Vatican officials have characterized the U.S.-Vatican relationship as at an "unprecedented low," according to the article. The reporting is bylined to Anthony Faiola of the Post, a major national outlet, and is corroborated by coverage from the New York Times, The Guardian, The Hill, and PBS, which confirm Rubio's visit is intended to address diplomatic tensions and discuss Middle East policy. Independent sources add contextual detail that Trump has also criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for defending the Pope, and note that Rubio, a Catholic, has made multiple Vatican visits in his diplomatic role—suggesting the administration recognizes the need to rebuild the relationship despite the public criticism.