U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Thursday, a visit occurring amid strained relations between the White House and the Holy See. During the meeting, an awkward gift exchange took place, with Pope Leo presenting an olive branch and Rubio offering a crystal football.
Awkward Gift Exchange
The Vatican confirmed the visit was intended to address the fallout from a prolonged disagreement between Pope Leo and President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing war in Iran. Pope Leo has consistently condemned the Iran conflict, criticizing its origins and Trump's threats, while Trump has publicly derided the Pope's foreign policy views.
Public Opinion Divided
A recent YouGov survey indicates that 48 percent of Americans align more with Pope Leo's views on the Iran war, compared to 28 percent who agree with Trump. The remaining 24 percent were undecided or held other views.
In full, the Pope gave Marco Rubio an olive branch as a gift. But could only say 'Wow OK' when he saw what the US brought him.
