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The Vatican has confirmed it will not participate in U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace,” a new initiative aimed at overseeing Gaza’s temporary governance and addressing global conflicts. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s Secretary of State and top diplomatic official, announced the decision Tuesday, emphasizing that international crisis management should remain under the authority of the United Nations.
According to Parolin, the Holy See declined the invitation due to the “particular nature” of the board, which differs from traditional multilateral institutions. He stressed that the Vatican believes the United Nations should take the lead in resolving international crises, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Holy See maintains permanent observer status at the UN and has long supported multilateral diplomacy as a pathway to peace.
Pope Leo, the first American pope and a known critic of several Trump policies, had been invited to join the board in January. However, the Vatican rarely participates in political governing bodies, preferring to exercise its global influence through diplomatic channels and humanitarian advocacy.
Trump’s Gaza plan, which resulted in a fragile ceasefire in October, established the Board of Peace to supervise Gaza’s reconstruction and interim administration. The board, chaired by Trump, is set to hold its first meeting in Washington on Thursday. While some Middle Eastern allies of the United States have joined, Italy and the European Union will attend only as observers.
The initiative has sparked controversy, with legal scholars and human rights experts arguing that U.S. oversight of a foreign territory could resemble a colonial governance model. Critics also note the absence of Palestinian representation. Meanwhile, violence continues despite the ceasefire, with hundreds of Palestinian casualties and Israeli soldiers reported killed.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, the Vatican continues to call for peace, dialogue, and a UN-led solution.
