Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded his last G7 summit with an emphasis on international cooperation to resolve ongoing conflicts. In Italy, alongside foreign ministers from the G7 nations, Blinken highlighted efforts to establish a ceasefire in Lebanon and the broader Middle East.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Rome Sunday for a diplomatic trip to Europe that includes a meeting of foreign ministers from the leading industrialized nations.

G7 delegations and Arab countries meet in Rome Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani welcomes head of G7 delegations and Arab countries. Leaders pose for family photo before session. #Italy #ForeignMinister #AntonioTajani #G7 #Arab #Leaders #live #news #reuters Keep up with the latest news from around the world: ------------------------------------------------------ LiveTube

The outgoing secretary of state met the pope privately early Nov. 27 and "commended the Pope's commitment to advancing the basic rights and dignity of LGBTQI persons," said a statement by Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesperson. Blinken was in Italy for a meeting of G7 foreign ministers.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday praised Pope Francis for his work on LGBTQI issues after meeting the leader of the 1.4-billion-member Roman Catholic Church and other senior officials at the Vatican.

The State Department said discussions between Blinken and the pope focused on ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine amid a broader European diplomatic tour.