Pope Leo Invited to Trump's "Peace Council"

Pope Leo has been invited by US President Donald Trump to the "Peace Council", an initiative initially aimed at ending the war in Gaza, but now with broader goals of resolving conflicts worldwide. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's "Foreign Minister", announced the invitation, noting that the Pope is considering it. The Pope's decision is significant given his past criticisms of some of Trump's policies. The Pope's participation in such a council is unusual, as the Vatican prefers to exercise diplomacy through its extensive diplomatic service and its permanent presence at the United Nations. The invitation has sparked reactions, with some countries accepting it (Israel, Egypt) and others expressing reservations, as there is fear that it will undermine the work of the United Nations. Trump has stated that the Council will aim to resolve conflicts globally, making the Pope's participation, as leader of 1.4 billion Catholics, particularly important. However, the Vatican has not rushed to respond, as the decision requires careful consideration. The potential participation of Pope Leo in Trump's Peace Council is an interesting diplomatic issue, with potential implications for international relations and efforts to resolve conflicts.