Michelle Kellerman

of trying to advocate for and facilitate, quote, replacement immigration in the U.S.

The State Department did not explain what that means, though the language echoes that of the white nationalist great replacement theory.

Michelle Kellerman, NPR News, the State Department.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the goal is to have a strong Lebanese government in control of its territory without an Iranian-backed militia threatening anyone.

Secretary Rubio launched the talks between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington in the middle of April, and President Trump joined them just over a week later.

Thursday and Friday will be the third such gathering.

even as Israel continues to occupy large parts of southern Lebanon and continues to exchange fire with Hezbollah despite a ceasefire.

Michelle Kellerman, NPR News, the State Department.

President Trump has called the Pope soft on crime and on Iran, but none of those tensions were on display as Rubio exchanged gifts with the Pope and met with him privately.

The State Department says the meeting underscored the strong relationship between the U.S.

and the Holy See and said they discussed the situation in the Middle East and topics of mutual interest in the Western Hemisphere.

Rubio's State Department has been working with the Catholic Church in Cuba to deliver aid,

The Vatican has expressed concerns about a humanitarian crisis there as the U.S.

cuts off most fuel shipments and as Trump talks about a, quote, friendly takeover of the communist island.

Michelle Kellerman, NPR News, the State Department.

President Trump has called the pope soft on crime and on Iran, but none of those tensions were on display as Rubio exchanged gifts with the pope.

and met with him privately.

The State Department says the meeting underscored the strong relationship between the U.S.

and the Holy See and said they discussed the situation in the Middle East and topics of mutual interest in the Western Hemisphere.

Rubio's State Department has been working with the Catholic Church in Cuba to deliver aid.