Pope Leo Declines Trump's 'Board of Peace' Invitation, Citing UN's Role

Pope Leo will not take part in President Donald Trump's proposed Board of Peace, the Vatican announced Tuesday.

The Holy See's top diplomat said the Vatican believes the United Nations should be left to handle international crisis situations. The Vatican declined the invitation, saying it was "perplexed" by parts of the plan and citing what it called critical unresolved issues.

The Board—which will be chaired indefinitely by Trump—was originally created to oversee reconstruction of Gaza but has since expanded into a global peacekeeping body.

The Vatican isn't alone in sitting out. Britain, France, and Norway have also declined to participate, though some countries plan to attend as observers.

The Board of Peace is set to hold its first meeting in Washington on Thursday.