Pope Leo XIV rejected Donald Trump's invitation to join the 'Board of Peace', expressing concerns related to the initiative.

Pope Leo XIV declined Donald Trump's invitation to join the 'Board of Peace', according to a statement from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State. The Pope expressed concerns regarding Trump's initiative, emphasizing that critical issues should be managed by the UN at an international level. Initially, the 'Board of Peace' was designed to oversee the ceasefire in Gaza and coordinate the reconstruction of the region after the conflict between Hamas and Israel. However, Trump expanded its purpose, suggesting it could address a variety of global disputes. Some observers believe this is an attempt by the American president to create an alternative multilateral forum to the UN, which he has frequently criticized. The Pope was invited to join this council in January.