The White House stated that the Vatican's decision not to join the Peace Council is "deeply regrettable."
Ahead of the inaugural meeting in Washington this Thursday to discuss the reconstruction of Gaza, the Vatican will not be participating in the Peace Council initiative launched by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Vatican's top diplomat, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, confirmed that the Holy See will abstain from the initiative, adding that efforts to address such crises must be managed by the United Nations.
Pope Leo, the first American Pope, had previously received a formal invitation to join the Council.
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