Vatican Confirms Pope Leo Invited to Trump’s Peace Council

Pope Leo XIV. Photo: Vatican Media

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV is among the international figures invited to participate in U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly announced “Peace Council,” the Vatican confirmed on Tuesday. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin told reporters that the invitation has been formally received and is under review.

“The Pope has received an invitation and we are thinking about what to do,” Parolin said, stressing that the matter requires “careful reflection” before any response is given. He noted that the decision carries particular sensitivity, as Pope Leo — the first American pontiff in the history of the Roman Catholic Church — has previously voiced criticism of certain Trump administration policies.

The Peace Council was initially framed by President Trump as an initiative focused on ending the war in Gaza, but has since been broadened to address global conflicts. According to diplomatic sources, Israel and Egypt have accepted invitations, while other countries remain cautious, warning the initiative could complicate existing United Nations efforts.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Pope Leo XIV criticized the Illinois governor for passing an assisted suicide bill.

Read also