Pope Leo refuses Trump's offer to join Board of Peace

ROME– Pope Leo has rejected President Donald Trump's invitation to join The Board of Peace (BoP) due to concerns the organization seeks to undermine the United Nations. 

The Board of Peace was established by Donald Trump, who is also the indefinite chair, with the stated goal of promoting peace keeping around the world. It was initially established to spearhead the Gaza Peace Plan. 

Trump has invited 62 countries thus far with 25 signing on, however, he has failed to gain the support from the European Union. There has been much criticism of the BoP before its official operations have begun with many suggesting Trump will hold the sole veto power in negotiations. 

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Top Diplomatic Official stated “The Holy See will not participate in the Board of Peace because of its particular nature, which is evidently not that of other states.” 

White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt responded to the Vatican’s decision calling it “deeply unfortunate” and emphasised the BoP’s alleged mission in overseeing the reconstruction of Gaza as well as reiterating the organization’s legitimacy.