Rubio’s Rome Visit Seeks to Thaw Tensions as Pentagon Pulls 5,000 Troops from Germany

The US secretary of state arrives in Rome on Thursday and Friday, days that also mark one year since Pope Leo, the first American‑born pontiff, began his papacy. Italian officials say the trip follows a letter from the US ambassador to Rome, Tilman Fertitta, seeking to rebuild bridges after former President Trump’s public criticism of the pope and his warning to pull US forces from Italy. The Vatican has not yet commented on the schedule, but Rubio is set to meet Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Italy’s deputy prime minister Antonio Tajani, with a possible meeting with defence minister Guido Crosetto still pending.

Rubio’s visit aims to thaw frosty relations with both the Italian government and the Holy See, a goal described by Corriere della Sera as “not impossible, but complicated.” The Pentagon announced on Friday that it will withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, citing Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s claim that the US is being “humiliated” by Iran and labeling recent German rhetoric as inappropriate. Trump has hinted the troop reduction could grow larger, while he previously threatened similar cuts to Italy and Spain over their stance on the US‑Israeli war on Iran.

The dual moves signal a recalibration of US presence in Europe, balancing diplomatic outreach in the south with a strategic pullback in the north. Analysts watch whether improved ties with Rome and the Vatican can offset perceptions of waning US commitment in NATO’s northern flank. The outcome may shape future burden‑sharing talks and influence how allied capitals respond to US pressure on Iran policy. To watch next: any confirmation of a Rubio‑Meloni meeting, details on the troop redeployment schedule, and reactions from NATO partners as the troop drawdown proceeds.