During one of this year's most noteworthy diplomatic meetings, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio brought a touch of humor to the heart of the Vatican this Saturday. As the Catholic Church prepared for a historic weekend, Rubio was welcomed by the Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, with whom he engaged in a light-hearted conversation.
Rubio humorously inquired, "Spanish, English, or Cuban?" regarding the language for their communication, playfully nodding to his Cuban heritage. Parolin responded with a smile, stating, "The official language is English." Moments earlier, the cardinal had confessed in a brief exchange in Spanish that while English was used for official meetings, it was not "as beautiful."
Though brief, Rubio's joke with Parolin has been seen by some analysts as a subtle way to emphasize the Latin cultural identity within diplomatic dialogue. Choosing to ask, "Spanish, English, or Cuban?" at the start of the official meeting seemed to be a deliberate nod to his Cuban-American roots and the rich linguistic and cultural diversity present in international settings like the Vatican.
A Meeting of Global Significance
The meeting with Parolin occurred on the eve of a solemn mass on Sunday, May 18, marking the beginning of Pope Leo XIV's pontificate, the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church. This event captured the attention of media, religious leaders, and politicians worldwide.
Rubio, of Cuban descent and a prominent figure in current American diplomacy, arrived in Rome on Friday night and commenced his schedule of official meetings early Saturday. His meeting with Parolin took place during the institutional audiences preceding the new pope's enthronement ceremony.
According to images released by the Holy See, Rubio also met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, who plays a crucial role in the Vatican's international diplomacy.
The Enthronement Mass of Pope Leo XIV
The mass held on Sunday morning at St. Peter's Square gathered around 250,000 attendees and representatives from over 150 international delegations, marking the formal start of Pope Leo XIV's pontificate. The new pontiff, elected following his predecessor's death, is the first American to assume the Chair of St. Peter, a groundbreaking event reshaping Vatican geopolitics.
Rubio expressed his excitement on social media before the event: "I'm thrilled to be in Italy. Looking forward to the visit," alongside Vice President JD Vance, "and it will be an honor to attend the inaugural mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on Sunday."
An Eventful Agenda
Throughout the weekend, in addition to attending the mass, Rubio had several high-level meetings planned. He met with Antonio Tajani, Italy's Foreign Minister, to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss mutual interests such as security, migration, and cooperation in the Mediterranean.
Rubio was also scheduled to meet with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Episcopal Conference and the pope's envoy for the conflict in Ukraine. This meeting holds particular significance in the context of the Holy See's diplomatic efforts to mediate in international conflicts.
Insights into Marco Rubio's Vatican Visit
Why did Marco Rubio visit the Vatican?
Marco Rubio visited the Vatican as part of a series of diplomatic meetings and to attend the enthronement mass of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope.
What was the significance of Rubio's joke with Cardinal Parolin?
Rubio's joke with Cardinal Parolin was seen as a way to highlight his Cuban-American heritage and the cultural diversity in international diplomacy.
What major event coincided with Rubio's visit?
Rubio's visit coincided with the enthronement mass of Pope Leo XIV, marking a historic moment as he is the first American pope.