The Vatican has signaled it will not be joining President Trump’s newly established Board of Peace, a decision reflecting a cautious approach to the post-war initiative for Gaza. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s top diplomatic official, articulated the Vatican’s position, emphasizing the unique nature of its role compared to nation-states.
Parolin explained the Vatican’s non-participation stems from the board’s structure, which doesn’t align with the Holy See’s distinct character. He acknowledged the effort to address the crisis in Gaza but voiced “points that leave us somewhat perplexed,” hinting at underlying concerns needing clarification.
A central concern for the Vatican is the belief that the United Nations should be the primary international body managing crisis situations of this magnitude. This conviction has been consistently emphasized in their diplomatic discussions, suggesting a preference for established multilateral frameworks.
The invitation to join the Board of Peace extended to Pope Leo, reflecting the initiative’s broad outreach. The board’s initial charter, signed in Davos with representatives from nearly 20 countries, aimed to coordinate recovery efforts in the Gaza Strip following the recent conflict.
Israel recently formalized its participation, preceding a meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump. Other nations invited included a diverse range of countries – Russia, Belarus, France, Germany, Vietnam, and Ukraine, among others – demonstrating the initiative’s global scope.
However, the Board of Peace has faced resistance, with Poland and Italy also announcing they would not be joining. This growing list of declinations raises questions about the initiative’s overall acceptance within the international community.
President Trump announced that member nations have collectively pledged over $5 billion in aid for Gaza, with formal commitments expected during a meeting in Washington, D.C. The pledges represent a significant financial contribution towards rebuilding efforts in the region.
