Frank Rondel
Pope Leo XIV will not join US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace,” the Vatican’s top diplomat confirmed Tuesday, stating that international crises should primarily be managed by the United Nations, reports customreceipt.com via CNN.
The board, indefinitely chaired by Trump, was initially established to oversee reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Its mission has since expanded to a broader global peacekeeping role. The Vatican received an invitation to participate last month.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See Secretary of State, told reporters that the Vatican declined the invitation after being left “perplexed” by certain aspects of the plan and identifying “critical issues” that remain unresolved. Parolin emphasized that the Vatican’s primary concern is ensuring the UN retains the leading role in handling international crises.
The cardinal made his remarks following an event with the Italian government commemorating the anniversary of the Lateran Pacts, which established Vatican City as a sovereign state nearly a century ago.
While Italy and the European Union have expressed plans to attend the board as observers, Parolin clarified that the Vatican would not participate “because of its particular nature, which is evidently not that of other States.”
Other countries have also declined invitations, including the United Kingdom, France, and Norway. Global diplomats and officials have voiced concerns regarding the board’s expanded mandate, Trump’s indefinite chairmanship, and potential disruptions to the UN’s work.
Pope Leo XIV, the first US-born pontiff, has prioritized peacemaking throughout his papacy, warning recently that “war is back in vogue.” He stressed the UN’s central role in addressing conflicts and underscored the importance of upholding humanitarian law.
Since his election, the pope has repeatedly advocated for Gaza, promoted a two-state solution, and called for Palestinians to live peacefully in their own land. During the Israel-Hamas conflict, he pressed for the release of hostages taken on October 7, maintained dialogue with Israeli leaders, and condemned rising antisemitism.
The pope has also criticized Trump’s immigration policies. His insistence on adherence to international and humanitarian law stands in contrast to Trump, who told The New York Times in January that he feels bound only by his “own morality,” dismissing international law and post-World War II frameworks.
The board is scheduled to hold its first meeting in Washington on Thursday.
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