Pope Leo has officially rejected an invitation to join President Trump's peace council, which is designed to serve as a global peacekeeping body. According to the Pope's spokesperson, Pietro Parolin, the Vatican believes that the United Nations should primarily handle international crises rather than a council established by a single nation. This statement comes in response to President Trump, who created the council last year with the initial goal of leading the reconstruction of Gaza.

The peace council's scope has since expanded to address various international crises. However, by declining to participate, Pope Leo reinforces the Vatican's traditional stance on multilateralism and the importance of the UN as an international authority on peace and security. This decision not only reflects the Catholic Church's emphasis on global cooperation but also sets a tone for how international diplomatic efforts may proceed, particularly in conflict zones like Gaza.

The refusal to join the peace council highlights the complexities of international diplomacy and the various roles different entities play in peacekeeping efforts. As tensions in various parts of the world persist, the emphasis on institutional frameworks like the UN could serve as a reminder of the need for collaborative approaches to global governance and crisis management.