Holy See declines participation in Trump's Peace Council

The Vatican, led by Pope Leo XIV, will not join US President Donald Trump's initiative called "Board of Peace." Cardinal Pietro Parolin emphasized that the resolution of international crises should remain within the competence of the United Nations.

According to him, the Holy See has a special status and participation in a body led by the head of another state would not be appropriate.

Trump originally created the council to oversee the temporary administration of the Gaza Strip after the fragile truce in October. He later announced his ambition to extend its remit to other global conflicts.

Critics, however, point out that the model may resemble a colonial structure and weaken the role of the UN, and that it lacks a Palestinian representative. The council's first meeting is to be held in Washington.

(reuters, mja)