The Vatican will not participate in US President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace,” Cardinal Pietro Parolin said, stressing that international crises should be handled primarily by the United Nations.
Speaking on Tuesday, Parolin said the Holy See would not join the initiative because of its “particular nature,” which differs from that of sovereign states. He added that the Vatican has consistently maintained that the UN must remain central in managing global conflicts and crisis situations.
Pope Leo, the first US-born pontiff and a critic of several Trump policies, had received an invitation to join the board in January. However, the Vatican has now formally ruled out participation.
Trump initially proposed the Board of Peace under a Gaza plan that led to a fragile ceasefire in October. The body was designed to oversee temporary governance in Gaza. Subsequently, Trump announced plans to expand the board’s mandate to address broader global conflicts. The group is scheduled to hold its first meeting in Washington on Thursday, where members will discuss Gaza’s reconstruction.
The Board of Peace includes several close US allies across Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, and Latin America. Italy and the European Union have confirmed they will attend as observers rather than full members.
Mexico opts for observer role
Meanwhile, Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico will not join as a full member due to the absence of Palestinian representation. She reiterated Mexico’s recognition of Palestine as a state and confirmed that the country’s UN ambassador would attend as an observer.
