WASHINGTON, Friday, May 8, 2026 (WNP): U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the United States continues to maintain a strong and productive relationship with the Vatican despite policy differences regarding Iran, emphasizing cooperation on humanitarian and global issues.

Speaking about his discussions with Vatican officials, Rubio said Washington and the Catholic Church had long worked together on humanitarian initiatives and international affairs, adding that the engagement remained valuable because of the Church’s global presence and influence.

“Well, with the Vatican, our relationship… we’re working together on humanitarian issues. We’re focused on other issues as well,” Rubio said.

He noted that President Donald Trump continued to view Iran as a threat that needed to be addressed, stressing that Washington’s position on Tehran remained unchanged.

“The president’s perspective is clear, that he thinks that Iran is a threat and it needs to be addressed, and that position remains unchanged,” Rubio remarked.

At the same time, he said the United States could maintain its policy stance while continuing constructive engagement with the Vatican and the Catholic Church.

Rubio described the Vatican as an important global actor with deep insights into international developments through its worldwide religious and humanitarian networks.

He said discussions with Church leaders covered various regions, including Africa, the Western Hemisphere, and the Middle East, particularly the situation of Christians in countries such as Lebanon.

“I think it’s an opportunity to personally express our point of view from the standpoint of foreign policy and the areas we’re involved in and share insights, but also to gain insights, because the Church has a unique role in many of these countries,” he said.

Rubio added that the Catholic Church had historically served as an important interlocutor not only with governments but also with societies, and in many cases had facilitated U.S. humanitarian assistance around the world, including in Cuba.

He termed the meeting with Vatican officials “very productive,” saying both sides exchanged views on regions where they maintain active engagement.

The secretary of state also reiterated that U.S. policy decisions would continue to be guided by American national interests while preserving strong relations with the Vatican.

“The President of the United States is always going to act in what’s in the best interest of the United States,” Rubio said, adding that Washington could continue to maintain a “productive, fruitful and important relationship” with the Church because of its significant global role.