Pope Francis has declined an invitation to join a peace council initiated by Donald Trump. The council was established to address conflicts, including overseeing the administration of the Gaza Strip. Trump, who chairs the council, later stated that its powers would be expanded to handle global disputes. Pope Leo, the first American pontiff, had been invited to join the council in January. Under Trump's plan, which led to a fragile ceasefire in Gaza in October, the council was set to temporarily oversee the sector's administration. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's top diplomat, announced that the Holy See will not participate in Trump's peace initiative, adding that efforts to address crises must be managed by the United Nations. The council is scheduled to hold a meeting.
