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Rubio Meets Pope, Announces $6 Million Cuba Aid

5/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 7 2026, a fence-mending visit after President Donald Trump’s attacks on the pope.
Rubio said the United States provides $6 million in humanitarian aid to Cuba through the Church and plans to expand it.
The State Department and the Holy See said the meeting underscored a strong bilateral relationship and shared commitment to peace and human dignity.

History

Historical Context

After President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II formally opened U.S.–Holy See ties on January 10, 1984, the relationship has endured through successive presidents. The election of the first American pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, in May 2025, revived the historic partnership, prompting Senator Marco Rubio’s May 7, 2026 meeting that reaffirmed U.S. aid cooperation with the Vatican and shared values.

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Story summary

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 7 2026, a fence-mending visit after President Donald Trump’s attacks on the pope.
Rubio said the United States provides $6 million in humanitarian aid to Cuba through the Church and plans to expand it.
The State Department and the Holy See said the meeting underscored a strong bilateral relationship and shared commitment to peace and human dignity.

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