The Vatican has declined to join President Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza recovery, expressing concerns about the initiative and advocating for United Nations leadership instead.
The Vatican has officially announced that it will not participate in President Donald Trump’s newly formed Board of Peace, a decision that reflects the Holy See’s hesitance to engage in the post-war initiative aimed at Gaza recovery. This statement was made by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, during a press conference on Tuesday.
According to the Vatican’s official news outlet, Parolin emphasized that the Holy See’s decision was influenced by the “particular nature” of the Board of Peace, which he noted differs significantly from that of other states. The Board, established in January, comprises nearly 20 countries and is tasked with overseeing recovery efforts in the Gaza Strip following the recent Israel-Hamas conflict.
When addressing Italy’s own decision to decline participation in the board, Parolin remarked that there were “points that leave us somewhat perplexed,” indicating that there are critical issues that require further clarification. He underscored the importance of a coordinated international response to crises, stating, “At the international level, it should above all be the UN that manages these crisis situations. This is one of the points on which we have insisted.”
The Vatican’s reluctance to join the Board of Peace comes in the wake of an invitation extended to Pope Leo, the first U.S. pope, to be part of the initiative in January. The initial charter signing ceremony for the Board took place in Davos, Switzerland, in late January, where leaders from 17 countries, including presidents and senior officials from Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Central and Southeast Asia, gathered to participate.
Recently, Israel formally joined the board, coinciding with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump at the White House. Other nations invited to join the initiative include Russia, Belarus, France, Germany, Vietnam, Finland, Ukraine, Ireland, Greece, and China. However, both Poland and Italy have also opted out of participation.
During a recent announcement, Trump revealed that board members have pledged over $5 billion in aid for Gaza, with formal commitments expected to be made during a meeting in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday.
This development highlights the Vatican’s preference for a multilateral approach to international crises, particularly those involving humanitarian issues, and its call for the United Nations to take a leading role in such matters. The Vatican’s stance reflects a broader concern regarding the effectiveness and legitimacy of unilateral initiatives in addressing complex geopolitical challenges.
As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the Vatican’s position may influence discussions around international aid and recovery efforts, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach that prioritizes humanitarian principles.
According to Fox News, the Vatican’s decision not to join the Board of Peace underscores its commitment to a UN-led framework for managing global crises.