Pope Leo invited to join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’, cardinal says
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Pope Leo - the first US pope and a critic of some of US President Donald Trump’s policies - is said to be evaluating the invitation to join Mr Trump's so-called "Board of Peace".
PHOTO: EPA
- Pope Leo, the first US pope, is considering Donald Trump's invitation to join the "Board of Peace".
- The board, initially focused on Gaza, aims to resolve global conflicts but faces caution from some nations.
- The Vatican is taking time to consider the invitation, given Pope Leo's diplomatic style and UN involvement.
AI generated
VATICAN CITY - Pope Leo is among world leaders invited to join US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace”, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s top diplomatic official, said on Jan 21.
Leo, the first US pope and a critic of some of Mr Trump’s policies, is evaluating the invitation, he said.
“The pope has received an invitation and we are considering what to do,” Cardinal Parolin told journalists.
“I believe it will be something that requires a bit of time for consideration before giving a response.”
The board was initially aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza; however, Mr Trump has said it will have a much broader remit and resolve conflicts globally.
While some countries, such as Israel and Egypt, have accepted the invitation, a number of others have expressed caution with diplomats warning it could harm the work of the United Nations.
The Vatican press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Cardinal Parolin’s remarks.
Leo, who has shown a robust but quiet diplomatic style since being elected pope in May 2025, has decried conditions for Palestinians living in Gaza several times, including in a forceful sermon on Christmas Eve.
The pope, leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, rarely joins international boards. The Vatican has an extensive diplomatic service and is a permanent observer at the United Nations, often taking part in debates. REUTERS
