America’s top diplomat made an open gesture of his Christian faith in a TV interview this week.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared on Fox News to talk about the Gaza and Ukraine conflicts, with an ash cross on his forehead.
The symbol is common for Christians to display on Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, and is an outward indication that they belong to Jesus Christ and are mourning for their sins.
Mr. Rubio, of Cuban descent and a practicing Catholic, explained the reason for the mark on his forehead:.
“Today is Ash Wednesday, a day of reflection and humility,” he stated.
“For millions of Catholics in the United States and around the world, it is a day of faith that reminds us of our fragility and the need to do good,” he added.
Lent is a period of penance and reflection within the Christian tradition.
The imposition of ashes on the forehead symbolises mortality and the need for repentance.
In the interview, Mr Rubio reaffirmed President Trump’s “last warning” against Hamas in which he said there would be “hell to pay” for the people of Gaza if the remaining Israeli hostages are not released.
He referred to the war in Ukraine as a “proxy war between nuclear powers: the US and Russia, and it must come to an end.”
“We ask the Ukrainians not to sabotage [the peace].”
As expected Mr. Rubio’s ‘mark of the cross’ attracted a mixed response.
On social media, some deplored his blatant display of faith, claiming there should be a clear separation of church and state.
Others observed: “We are seeing a very clear culture shift in America. Thank you, Marco Rubio, for letting your faith shine!”
It is not the first time a politician has appeared on US television with the ash cross.
Former president Joe Biden and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush have both displayed this religious symbol during interviews.
In 2023, actor Mark Wahlberg was also seen with the ash cross on a television show, generating similar reactions.
The State Department has not made any official statements, although sources close to the Secretary of State indicated Mr. Rubio “does not believe that expressing his faith is incompatible with his diplomatic duties.”
Image: Screenshot – Fox News
