Pope Leo is currently evaluating an invitation to join U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace,” the Vatican’s top diplomatic official, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, confirmed on Wednesday.
The Pontiff, who is the first U.S. pope and has previously voiced criticism of some of Trump’s policies, is weighing his options.
Cardinal Parolin told journalists, “The pope has received an invitation and we are considering what to do. I believe it will be something that requires a bit of time for consideration before giving a response.”
The initiative, initially conceived to address the conflict in Gaza, has since been expanded by Trump to encompass a much broader remit, aiming to resolve global conflicts.
While some nations, including Israel and Egypt, have accepted the invitation, several others have expressed caution. Diplomats have warned that the board’s activities could potentially undermine the work of the United Nations.
The Vatican press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding Cardinal Parolin’s remarks.
Pope Leo, known for his robust yet quiet diplomatic approach since his election last May, has repeatedly condemned the conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza, notably delivering a forceful sermon on Christmas Eve on the issue.
The leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics rarely participates in international boards.
The Vatican maintains an extensive diplomatic service and holds permanent observer status at the United Nations, frequently engaging in its debates.
While the board’s official charter remains undisclosed, a draft version obtained by The Associated Press indicates that substantial power would be concentrated in Mr Trump’s hands. The draft also outlines that a $1 billion contribution would secure permanent membership.
The Trump administration now seems to envision the board of peace with a far broader scope beyond Gaza.
In letters sent Friday to various world leaders inviting them to the board, Trump said it would “embark on a bold new approach to resolving global conflict,” suggesting it could act as a rival to the UN Security Council, the most powerful body of the global organisation created in the wake of World War Two.
