In one of the most symbolic diplomatic meetings of the year, the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, had a humorous moment in the heart of the Vatican this Saturday.
At the threshold of a historic weekend for the Catholic Church, Rubio was received by the Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, with whom he shared a conversation that began in a relaxed tone.
“Spanish, English, or Cuban?”, Rubio asked the cardinal regarding the language they should use to communicate.
The question, which alluded playfully to his Cuban roots, was answered by Parolin with a smile: "The official language is English."
However, the cardinal had confessed moments earlier, in a brief exchange in Spanish, that although English was used for official meetings, it was not “as beautiful.”
Although brief, Marco Rubio's joke with Parolin has been interpreted by some analysts as a subtle way to reinforce Latino cultural identity within diplomatic dialogue.
The choice of the question "Spanish, English, or Cuban?" to open the official meeting does not seem to have been random, but rather a nod to his Cuban-American heritage and also to the linguistic and cultural richness that converges in international settings like the Vatican.
A context of global significance
The meeting with Parolin took place on the eve of the solemn mass held this Sunday, May 18, which marked the beginning of the papacy of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church.
This fact has captured the attention of media, religious leaders, and politicians around the world.
Rubio, of Cuban descent and the most prominent face of current U.S. diplomacy, arrived in Rome on Friday night and began his schedule of official meetings early on Saturday.
His meeting with Parolin took place within the framework of the institutional hearings that preceded the ceremony for the enthronement of the new pope.
According to images released by the Holy See, Rubio also met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, who plays a central role in the Vatican's international diplomacy.
The enthronement mass of León XIV
The mass held on the morning of this Sunday in St. Peter's Square gathered approximately 250,000 people and representatives from over 150 international delegations, in an event that marked the formal beginning of the papacy of Pope Leon XIV.
The new pontiff, elected following the death of his predecessor, is the first American to occupy the chair of Saint Peter, an unprecedented event that redefines the geopolitics of the Vatican.
Rubio expressed his enthusiasm through his social media before the event: “I am glad to be in Italy. I am eagerly 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.”
A packed agenda of meetings
During the weekend, in addition to attending mass, Rubio has several high-level meetings planned.
Antonio Tajani, Italy's Foreign Minister, held a meeting to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss mutually important issues 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marco Rubio's Visit to the Vatican and the Enthronement of Pope Leo XIV
What joke did Marco Rubio make to Cardinal Parolin at the Vatican?
Marco Rubio asked Cardinal Parolin whether they should communicate in Spanish, English, or Cuban, winking at his Cuban roots. This joke was interpreted as a reinforcement of Latin cultural identity in diplomatic dialogue.
Why was the coronation mass of Pope Leo XIV significant?
The enthronement mass of Pope Leo XIV was significant because it marked the beginning of the pontificate of the first American Pope in the history of the Catholic Church. The ceremony brought together 250,000 people and delegations from over 150 countries, highlighting its global importance.
What is Pope Leo XIV's relationship with Cuba?
Pope Leo XIV has a direct connection with Cuba, having visited the country several times before his election as Supreme Pontiff. These visits reflect his interest and connection with the Cuban reality and its religious community.
What impact could Marco Rubio have as Secretary of State on U.S.-Cuba relations?
Marco Rubio, as Secretary of State, could represent a toughening of U.S. policy towards Cuba. A known critic of the Cuban regime, he could implement harsher sanctions and restrict travel and trade with the island.
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