Pope Leo XIV gestures as he meets the youth of Rome's diocese in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, January 10, 2026. REUTERS/Ciro De Luca
(Vatican City / DC) – According to the Vatican, President Trump has invited Pope Leo XIV to join the ‘Board of Peace,’ which he is creating to help end the conflict in Gaza with Israel. Leo, the first US Pope is no stranger to criticising Trump, so this invitation may come as a surprise.
“The pope has received an invitation and we are considering what to do,” Cardinal Parolin told journalists. “I believe it will be something that requires a bit of time for consideration before giving a response.”
Leo, who has shown a robust but quiet diplomatic style since being elected pope last May, has decried conditions for Palestinians living in Gaza several times, including in a forceful sermon on Christmas Eve.
The pope, leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, rarely joins international boards. The Vatican has an extensive diplomatic service and is a permanent observer at the United Nations, often taking part in debates.
