The appearance of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio caused a sensation during an interview with Fox News on March 6, 2025, after he appeared with a cross painted on his forehead.
During the interview, Rubio addressed several key issues, including the ongoing developments in Ukraine, the escalating crisis in the Middle East, and Donald Trump’s recent address to Congress.
Why Rubio Showed Up with a Cross on His Forehead:
Rubio’s appearance with a cross on his forehead is linked to Ash Wednesday, which occurred the day before the interview. Ash Wednesday is a significant day for many Catholic Christians, marking the start of Lent, a period of fasting and spiritual preparation. On this day, in many countries, believers receive a cross of ashes on their foreheads, made from the blessed palms of the previous Palm Sunday.
Rubio’s decision to appear with the ash cross did not go unnoticed on social media. His image sparked a variety of reactions, highlighting both the religious significance and the political implications of his public display. Some social media users expressed pride in Rubio’s open display of faith, seeing it as a reflection of his values as the head of American diplomacy. Conversely, others criticized him, accusing him of engaging in “propaganda” that could be interpreted as favoring Russia or promoting a “religious war.”
The discussion also took a lighter tone with some sarcastic remarks, like one user’s comment: “Our parents used to paint crosses on our heads when we were bad kids.”
This event underscores the intersection of personal faith and public office, continuing to be a topic of discussion across various platforms.