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Marco Rubio Gave Pope Leo a... Crystal Football?! (w/ Katie McGrady)

2026-05-09 News & Politics
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Description

JVL is joined by SiriusXM's The Catholic Channel host Katie McGrady to break down one of the strangest diplomatic moments of the year: Secretary of State Marco Rubio meeting Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican and gifting him a crystal football paperweight. They unpack the awkward exchange, why the Trump administration seems uneasy with the first American pope, and how previous presidents and diplomats handled papal gifts with a lot more thought. ON SALE NOW: Bulwark Live is coming to San Diego on May 20 and Los Angeles on May 21. Just announced! We’re adding some chatty friends to the lineups for both shows. Grab your seats now to join Sarah, Tim and Sam for an evening of politics among friends and keep an eye on https://TheBulwark.com/Events for more announcements. Become a Bulwark Youtube Plus Member here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Hp1KbGw4e02N7FpPXDgQ/join

Top Comments (10)

@ThinkPuds 2026-05-09

Rubio's paperweight had all the import and gravitas of a last minute gift from the gas station.

344 8 replies
@ECjournal 2026-05-09

Another sign this regime is full of self absorbed, clueless, thoughtless arrogant jerks!!!

318 4 replies
@DJ-jc9il 2026-05-09

A white coffee mug w/ I ❤ the Pope on it would have been better

309 11 replies
@TiffanyNagaty 2026-05-09

I love listening to JVL riff on all things Pope Leo. I’m not Catholic, but I like your Pope.

306 7 replies
@SelkieRDJ 2026-05-09

The Pope is so gracious. So proud we have an American leader somewhere of whom we may be proud.

287 4 replies
@irenemchugh 2026-05-09

Did Rubio just take the ball out of his pocket ??? No box !!!!How embarrassing !

211 5 replies
@robertmcnamara6425 2026-05-09

Just when I think I can’t feel more embarrassed by this administration.

171 2 replies
@Ladyofthepond 2026-05-09

The Pope and Rubio meeting is painful watch.

110 2 replies
@jonahb2149 2026-05-09

Gift-giving is an expression of one’s humanity. Clearly this administration has none.

84
@tjmarini 2026-05-09

This administration just can’t stop humiliating themselves. How embarrassing.

37 1 replies

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