The Vatican has denied US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo an audience with Pope Francis.
The Holy See said the Pontiff does not receive politicians during an election period.
The Vatican accused Mr Pompeo of trying to use that issue to attract voters in November’s US presidential election.
The Vatican’s two top diplomats, Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher, said Pope Francis will not receive Mr Pompeo.
“The Pope had already said clearly that political figures are not received in election periods. That is the reason,” Cardinal Parolin said, GoldennewNg gathered.
Cardinal Parolin also said it is possible Mr Pompeo’s comments were designed to encourage Catholics to support Mr Trump at the polls in November.