Marco Rubio Navigates Us Catholic Church Ties Amid Trump’s Bitter Feud: ‘we Can Continue Fruitful Relationship’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has affirmed nan United States' capacity for a productive relationship pinch nan Catholic Church, contempt ongoing tensions stemming from President Donald Trump's repeated criticisms of Pope Leo.

Following a Vatican visit, Rubio told reporters successful Rome connected Friday that his gathering was "very positive."

Addressing questions astir Trump's nationalist remarks concerning Pope Leo's comments connected nan Iran warfare and different matters, Rubio stated that nan president acts successful nan champion liking of nan U.S. and "will ever speak intelligibly astir really he feels astir nan U.S. and U.S. policy."

He added, "I deliberation we tin do that and proceed to besides person a very productive and fruitful and important narration pinch nan church, because it plays an important domiciled successful nan world arsenic well."

A celebratory infinitesimal betwixt Rubio and nan American-born pope quickly became awkward Thursday erstwhile nan Pontiff seemed astatine a nonaccomplishment for words.

While opinionated successful nan pontiff’s backstage room overlooking St. Peter’s Basilica, nan brace engaged successful nan time-honored negotiated contented of swapping gifts.

Leo presented Rubio pinch an oliva branch encased successful wood and emblazoned pinch nan pontificate’s overgarment of arms, describing it arsenic “the works of peace.” It seemed to beryllium a not-so-subtle motion to his rift pinch President Donald Trump complete nan Iran war. When it was his turn, nan caput of authorities handed nan Bishop of Rome thing a touch much whimsical: a palm-sized crystal football.

With Cuba presently facing an power situation owed to U.S. blocks connected astir lipid shipments, Rubio indicated Washington is prepared to connection further humanitarian aid.

The U.S. precocious imposed sanctions connected a Cuban military-controlled conglomerate and a mining associated venture, aiming to unit nan island's communist activity toward reforms. Rubio noted nan U.S. has already provided $6 cardinal successful humanitarian assistance to Cubans via nan Church and had offered nan $100 million, which it declined to distribute.