Vatican Declines Participation in Trump's Board of Peace Amid Concerns

Pope Leo XIV will not be joining U.S. President Donald Trump's newly established Board of Peace, the Vatican's top diplomat announced on Tuesday. This decision aligns with the Vatican's stance that such crisis situations should primarily be managed by the United Nations. The Board of Peace, intended to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza, has now expanded its objectives to serve as a global peacekeeping body. An invitation was extended to Pope Leo last month to join the board, but after a careful review, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State for the Holy See, revealed that they will not accept the invitation, citing confusion over certain aspects of the plan and the presence of unresolved critical issues. Cardinal Parolin articulated the Vatican's concern that the UN should take the lead in managing international crises, emphasizing that this principle was paramount. His remarks were made during an event commemorating the anniversary of the Lateran Pacts, which established the Vatican City as a sovereign state nearly 100 years ago. Despite the Vatican's withdrawal, Italy and the European Union have indicated intentions to attend the board as observers. The cardinal clarified that the Vatican's choice not to participate stems from the unique nature of the board, which differs from that of other states. The Vatican is not alone in its decision; countries like Britain, France, and Norway have also opted not to participate. Various diplomats and world leaders have expressed reservations regarding the board's expanded responsibilities, Trump’s indefinite leadership, and the potential implications for the UN's essential work. Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, has made peacemaking a central tenet of his papacy. Recently, he warned that 'war is back in vogue' during a significant diplomatic address, reiterating that the UN should play a crucial role in conflict resolution and highlighting the importance of adhering to humanitarian law. Since taking office, the pope has consistently called for peace in Gaza, advocating for a two-state solution and the rights of Palestinians to exist peacefully. His diplomatic efforts during the Israel-Hamas conflict have included calls for the release of hostages taken on October 7 and maintaining a line of dialogue with Israeli leaders, all while denouncing the rise of antisemitism. In contrast, Pope Leo has critiqued several of President Trump’s policies, particularly those related to immigration. The pope's strong advocacy for international humanitarian law stands in stark opposition to Trump’s previous comments in which he suggested that his ethical considerations supersede international law, dismissing the post-World War II order. As the board prepares for its inaugural meeting in Washington this Thursday, the absence of the Vatican may raise questions about the future direction and credibility of this new initiative under Trump's leadership. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2