Ahead of the first meeting in Washington this Thursday to discuss the reconstruction of Gaza, the Vatican has announced it will not participate in the "Gaza Peace Council" initiative launched by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Vatican's top diplomat, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, stated that the Holy See will not take part in the initiative, asserting that efforts to manage such crises should be led by the United Nations.
Pope Leo, the first American Pope in history, had previously received an invitation to join the Council.
Under the Trump plan, which led to the current ceasefire, the Council was originally intended to oversee the temporary administration of the Gaza Strip.
However, President Trump, who chairs the Council, later indicated that its mandate would expand to address global conflicts.
Cardinal Parolin explained that the Vatican "will not participate in the Peace Council due to its unique nature, which differs, of course, from that of other sovereign states."
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