US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to travel to Rome this week in an effort to improve strained relations between the United States, Italy, and the Vatican.

He is expected to meet Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, though a meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has not been confirmed.

The visit comes amid tensions linked to U.S. criticism of Italy’s stance on recent military and diplomatic issues and broader disagreements involving the Vatican.

Reports say the trip is part of an effort to “thaw” relations following a period of political friction, The Guardian has reported.

Rubio’s visit also coincides with the one-year anniversary of the papacy of Pope Leo, the first U.S.-born pope.