Secretary of State Marco Rubio Begins Diplomatic Visit to Italy and the Vatican

May 4, 2026, 16:43
EuropePolitics

Introduction

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is planning to visit Rome from May 6 to 8 to improve the worsening relations between the United States, the Vatican, and the Italian government.

Main Body

This diplomatic mission is necessary because of several public arguments involving President Donald Trump, Pope Leo XIV, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The main cause of the conflict is the Pope's criticism of US-Israeli military actions against Iran and his support for immigrant rights. In response, President Trump described Pope Leo as 'weak' and 'terrible' regarding foreign policy and crime. Furthermore, the President criticized Prime Minister Meloni for defending the Pope, leading him to question her courage and Italy's contributions to NATO. Security concerns are also increasing these tensions. After announcing a withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany, President Trump suggested that he might also reduce the 12,662 US personnel stationed in Italy, claiming that Italy has not cooperated enough regarding the Iran conflict. However, the State Department emphasized that Secretary Rubio's meetings with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto will focus on strategic cooperation and shared security goals. Regarding the Vatican, Secretary Rubio will have a private meeting with Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, which is the first anniversary of the Pope's election. In addition to the instability in the Middle East, they are expected to discuss mutual interests in the Western Hemisphere, specifically the US government's pressure on Cuba. This effort to improve relations comes as polling data from March and April shows that the President is becoming less popular among American Catholics.

Conclusion

Secretary Rubio's visit is a formal attempt to stabilize alliances across the Atlantic and restore a working relationship with the Vatican.

Learning

The Power of 'Connecting' Words

At the A2 level, you likely use and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need to use Logical Connectors. These are words that act like bridges, showing the reader exactly how two ideas relate to each other.

⚡️ The 'Upgrade' List

Look at these shifts from the text. Instead of using a simple word, the author uses a 'B2 word' to sound more professional:

  • Instead of "Also" →\rightarrow Use "Furthermore"

    • Example: "The President criticized Prime Minister Meloni... Furthermore, the President criticized..."
    • B2 Logic: This tells the reader: "I am adding a second, more important point to my argument."

  • Instead of "But" →\rightarrow Use "However"

    • Example: "...claiming that Italy has not cooperated enough... However, the State Department emphasized..."
    • B2 Logic: This creates a stronger contrast between two opposing opinions.

  • Instead of "And also" →\rightarrow Use "In addition to"

    • Example: "In addition to the instability in the Middle East, they are expected to discuss..."
    • B2 Logic: This allows you to start a sentence by mentioning a side-topic before getting to your main point.

🛠️ How to use these today

If you want to sound more like a B2 speaker, stop starting every sentence with the subject. Start with the connector:

A2 Style: I like the city. But it is too expensive. B2 Style: I like the city; however, it is too expensive.

A2 Style: He is a good doctor. He is also a teacher. B2 Style: In addition to being a doctor, he is a teacher.

Vocabulary Learning

diplomatic (adj.)
relating to diplomacy or dealing with foreign affairs in a careful and friendly way
Example:He gave a diplomatic reply to avoid angering his colleague.
mission (n.)
a task or assignment given to a person or group
Example:The mission to deliver the documents took three hours.
conflict (n.)
a serious disagreement or argument
Example:The conflict over the budget lasted for weeks.
criticism (n.)
the expression of disapproval or pointing out faults
Example:Her criticism of the plan was constructive.
support (v.)
to give help or encouragement
Example:He will support the new policy with a vote.
immigrant (n.)
a person who moves to another country to live
Example:The city welcomed many immigrants last year.
rights (n.)
entitlements or freedoms that people have
Example:Everyone has the right to free speech.
withdrawal (n.)
the act of pulling back or leaving
Example:The withdrawal of troops was announced yesterday.
personnel (n.)
people employed in a particular organization
Example:The company hired new personnel for the project.
cooperate (v.)
to work together with others
Example:The teams will cooperate to finish the task.
strategic (adj.)
related to planning for the future
Example:They made a strategic decision to expand.
cooperation (n.)
the act of working together
Example:Their cooperation led to a successful outcome.
shared (adj.)
used by more than one person or group
Example:They have shared interests in the project.
security (n.)
protection from danger or harm
Example:The security at the event was tight.
alliance (n.)
a union or partnership between groups
Example:The alliance helped them share resources.
stabilize (v.)
to make steady or less likely to change
Example:The new policy will stabilize the economy.
formal (adj.)
following established rules or customs
Example:They had a formal meeting with the board.
restore (v.)
to bring back to a former state
Example:They will restore the old building.
working (adj.)
actively functioning
Example:The working relationship improved after the talk.
relationship (n.)
a connection or association
Example:Their relationship grew stronger over time.