US Secretary of State meets the Pope - how did it go?

US Secretary of State meets the Pope - how did it go?

Author: Newstalk May 7, 2026 Duration: 4:43

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo the 14th today, with hopes to ease tensions between the US and the Vatican.

Mr Rubio is visiting Rome just weeks after President Trump's extraordinary criticism of Leo, the first US pope, over his anti-war stance.

Joining Ciara to discuss this is the Washington Bureau Chief of The Guardian, David Smith.

Image: Reuters


Stuck in traffic or winding down after the day? The Hard Shoulder offers a lively alternative to the usual radio silence, blending sharp analysis with the kind of conversation you'd have with well-informed friends. Hosted by Ciara Kelly and Shane Colman, this daily podcast from Newstalk captures the essence of Ireland's premier talk station, transforming the commute into a stimulating part of your routine. Each episode delves into the stories shaping Irish society and culture, from breaking news and political developments to sports and lighter entertainment. The discussion is always grounded, relevant, and driven by a desire to make sense of the world around us. You'll hear interviews, panel debates, and candid reflections that go beyond the headlines, offering fresh perspectives on the issues that matter. This isn't just background noise; it's engaging content designed to inform and provoke thought, mirroring the energy of a great drive-time show but crafted for on-demand listening. Tune in for a direct line to the national conversation, delivered with the clarity and independence Newstalk is known for. Whether you're catching up on the go or settling in at home, this podcast serves as your reliable audio companion for intelligent, contemporary talk.
Author: Language: en-ie Episodes: 100

The Hard Shoulder
Podcast Episodes
Jason Corcoran shares his experience of fleeing Russia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:37
Journalist and author Jason Corcoran tells the story of leaving Russia after Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the knock on effects this had had on his family, his work and for Russia, as there was a mass exodus of people…
The legacy of The George - 40 years on [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:24
For 40 years The George has been at the center of nightlife in Dublin, it has grown through a period that spans the most significant social and legislative changes for the LGBTQ+ community in modern Irish history - havin…
Is TY a waste of time or useful to students? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:38
Transition year has been the center of many education debates over the years. Parents of teenagers across the country worry about the costs, experiences, and dossing associated with TY. But, is it a waste of time or usef…
Kids Clinic: Weaning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:37
For this week’s Kids Clinic, Ciara is joined by Ollwyn Moran, Neuro Development Therapist & Founder of Cogni Kids to discuss how to best handle weaning with your child.
Patient care at UHL remains “intolerable and unacceptable” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:06
The Medical Board at University Hospital Limerick has warned that the risks to patient care at the hospital "remain intolerable and unacceptable".Joining Ciara to discuss is Professor Joe Devlin, Consultant Physician & D…
40 Labour MPs call on Starmer to resign [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:01
British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer vows to prove “doubters” wrong in his speech today, as 40 Labour MPs call on him to resign.The Prime Minister said he took responsibility for the results, which saw Labour lose almost…
How are Irish film age ratings decided? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:31
The Irish Film Classification Office received correspondence about six different films in the first quarter of this year.Films like Oscar favorites ‘Hamnet’ to the Emerald Fennel’s latest release ‘Wuthering Heights’ prom…
The aftermath of the Waterford city fire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:20
It is hoped that humanitarian assistance will be available quickly for dozens of businesses impacted by a fire in Waterford city on Saturday, that’s according to Minister of State at the Department of Health Mary Butler.…
National Ambulance Service on strike - what is the impact? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:17
Close to 2,000 National Ambulance Service members of UNITE and SIPTU began industrial action from 8am this morning, over a dispute with the Government regarding pay for ambulance staff.People who require an ambulance hav…
Dublin littering fines to increase - will it help? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:49
Fixed penalty notices for littering are set to increase to €250 from September, an increase of €100 as part of a Government crackdown on littering and illegal dumping.Recent figures show that the number of fines for litt…