In a move that has left many scratching their heads, the Vatican has officially rejected President Donald Trump's invitation for Pope Leo XIV to join his ambitious Board of Peace initiative aimed at bringing lasting stability to Gaza and the broader Middle East.
The Vatican's top diplomat delivered the disappointing news, confirming that the Pope will not be participating in what has already become a historic coalition of 26 nations working toward peace in one of the world's most volatile regions.
This rejection comes as Trump's Board of Peace continues to gain momentum internationally, with powerhouse nations like Argentina, Hungary, Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia already committed to the initiative. Additional countries have reportedly expressed strong interest in joining the unprecedented diplomatic effort.
Trump Administration Remains Optimistic
Despite the Vatican's cold shoulder, the Trump administration isn't backing down from its peace mission.
"Of course the administration wants all those who were invited to join the Board of Peace to join,"a senior official stated, maintaining the administration's commitment to building the broadest possible coalition.
The President extended the invitation to Pope Leo XIV last month, recognizing the moral authority and global influence the Catholic Church could bring to peace negotiations. It's precisely the kind of bold, outside-the-box thinking that has defined Trump's approach to international diplomacy.
What makes the Vatican's rejection particularly puzzling is the Pope's frequent calls for peace and his supposed concern for suffering around the world. When presented with a real opportunity to contribute to meaningful peace efforts, the Vatican chooses to sit on the sidelines.
America First Diplomacy Delivers Results
While the Vatican hesitates, President Trump continues building an impressive coalition that spans continents and brings together nations that rarely agree on anything. This is exactly the kind of results-oriented leadership Americans voted for – cutting through bureaucratic red tape and religious politics to get things done.
The question remains: will the Vatican reconsider its position as Trump's Board of Peace begins delivering the concrete results that decades of traditional diplomacy failed to achieve?