Vatican–U.S. Diplomacy Under Strain: Pope Leo XIV told U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio the Church’s “need to work tirelessly in favor of peace” remains urgent, even as Trump’s sharp attacks over the Iran war keep casting a shadow over the relationship. Rubio’s Rome stop—paired with talks with Cardinal Pietro Parolin—was framed as a reaffirmation of ties, but the subtext was clear: peace language is now political currency. Haiti Crisis, Vatican Engagement: In parallel, Leo met Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé as gang violence worsened and displacement spread; the prime minister spoke of moving from aid to elections, security, and commerce, while the Vatican highlighted the Church’s on-the-ground role. German “Blessings” Fight: Cardinal Müller denounced a Synod study group report on same-sex blessings as “fraudulent and blasphemous,” while Vatican officials stressed dialogue with German bishops is ongoing and sanctions are “premature.” Church Accountability: The Vatican Bank’s 2025 results showed a 55.5% profit jump, while Bishop Michael Bransfield—removed amid misconduct allegations—died at 82. Regional Flashpoints: Israel indicted a man over an assault on a Catholic nun near Jerusalem’s Old City; in the West Bank, a bishop warned of “intimidation and violence” against Taybeh’s Christian community.