Pope Leo is among the world leaders invited to take part in the “Peace Council” announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.
Speaking to journalists, Cardinal Parolin confirmed that the invitation has been formally received and is currently under consideration. “The Pope has received an invitation and we are thinking about what to do,” he said, adding that “I believe this is something that requires careful reflection before giving an answer.”
Pope Leo, the first American pontiff in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, has publicly criticized certain policies of President Trump in the past. For this reason, Cardinal Parolin noted, the decision on whether the Pope will participate cannot be taken lightly.
The “Peace Council” was initially presented as an initiative aimed at addressing the war in Gaza. However, President Trump has since stated that its scope will be broader, with the stated goal of resolving conflicts around the world. Several countries, including Israel and Egypt, have reportedly accepted the invitation. At the same time, other states have expressed reservations, while diplomats warn that the initiative could potentially undermine the work of the United Nations.
For now, the Vatican has made clear that no final decision has been reached, showing that the invitation remains under careful evaluation.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
