"What is that"... Black Cross on Forehead and US Secretary Featured in News

Secretary Rubio Known as a Devout Catholic
Significance of 'Ash Wednesday' Marking the Start of Lent
"Only Trump Can End the War in Ukraine"

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio drew attention on the 5th (local time) by appearing on the news with a 'black cross' drawn on his forehead to commemorate Lent. Known as a devout Catholic, Secretary Rubio appeared on a Fox News interview that day with a cross drawn on his forehead in ashes.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared on Fox News on the 5th (local time) with a black cross drawn on his forehead. Fox News capture

The day marked 'Ash Wednesday,' the beginning of Lent. Lent is a liturgical season signaling preparation for Easter, during which believers apply ashes to their foreheads, confess their sins, and reflect on Christ's 40 days of suffering until Easter, reaffirming the meaning of Lent.

However, despite his faith, there were reactions online that it was unusual for the Secretary of State to appear on the news with a black cross drawn on his forehead. Previously, Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and a member of the Trump administration who served as Secretary of Defense, sparked controversy when it was revealed that he had the phrase 'Deus Vult' (meaning 'God's will'), a slogan associated with Christian extremism, tattooed on his body.

On this day, Secretary Rubio emphasized President Donald Trump's determination to end the war in Ukraine. He stated, "It is a blessing and a fortune to have a president who seeks to end a conflict that has caused billions of dollars in damage, hundreds of thousands of casualties, and destruction that will take a generation for Ukraine to recover from." He added, "An end to the war would benefit not only the people of Russia, Ukraine, and the United States but also our European allies. The only person on Earth who can make that happen is President Trump."

According to the online media Axios, senior U.S. officials and Ukrainian representatives are scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia on the 12th of next week. Axios reported, "According to anonymous sources, U.S. officials including Secretary Rubio will depart on the 11th, and from the Ukrainian side, President Volodymyr Zelensky and Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to the President, will attend."

Previously, President Trump and President Zelensky held a summit at the White House last month, but the meeting ended in disaster after the two leaders publicly exchanged heated words. As a result, the planned signing of a mineral agreement was also reportedly canceled.