Rubio Says US Can Maintain Productive Ties With Catholic Church Despite Tensions

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has affirmed the United States' capacity to maintain a productive relationship with the Catholic Church. This statement came despite ongoing tensions linked to President Donald Trump's repeated criticisms of the pope over the Iran war and other matters. Rubio said the president acts in the best interest of the U.S.

and will always speak clearly about how he feels. During a meeting in the pontiff’s private library overlooking St. Peter’s Basilica, the two exchanged gifts in a diplomatic tradition. The pope presented Rubio with an olive branch encased in wood and emblazoned with the pontificate’s coat of arms.

Rubio handed the pope a palm-sized crystal football. A celebratory moment quickly became awkward when the pontiff appeared at a loss for words. The olive branch was seen as a reference to the rift with President Donald Trump.

Rubio addressed questions about the president's public remarks concerning the pope's comments on the Iran war. He stated that the U.S. can continue a fruitful relationship with the Catholic Church. Rubio indicated Washington is prepared to offer additional humanitarian aid to Cuba.

The island is currently facing an energy crisis due to U.S. blocks on most oil shipments. The U.S. recently imposed sanctions on a Cuban military-controlled conglomerate and a mining joint venture to pressure the island's communist leadership toward reforms.

Rubio noted the U.S. has already provided $6 million in humanitarian assistance to Cubans via the Church. The U.S. had offered $100 million, which the Church declined to distribute.