The Holy See has formally declined an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to participate in the newly proposed “Board of Peace,” an international body intended to oversee regions affected by conflict.
Speaking to reporters on February 17, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin confirmed the decision, stating that the Holy See “will not participate in the Board of Peace due to its particular nature, which is clearly not that of other states,” according to LifeSiteNews.
The cardinal’s remarks come after the United States extended an invitation to Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican to join the initiative. Parolin had previously indicated on January 21 that the Holy See was evaluating whether to participate. However, following further consideration, the Vatican determined that the structure and character of the proposed board raised concerns.
When asked about Italy’s involvement as an observer, Cardinal Parolin acknowledged that some aspects of the initiative remain unclear. He said that certain points “leave one somewhat perplexed,” adding, “There are critical points that need to be explained. The important thing is that an attempt is being made to provide an answer,” according to LifeSiteNews.
He further emphasized that, from the Holy See’s perspective, “one concern is that, at the international level, it is primarily the U.N. that manages these crisis situations. This is one of the points on which we have emphasized,” according to LifeSiteNews.
The Vatican’s cautious stance was echoed by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. He reportedly described the initiative as “a colonialist operation” and argued that “the task of the Church is not this,” according to LifeSiteNews.
More than 25 nations, including Hungary and Argentina, have joined the Board of Peace, while several others—among them the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Germany, and France—have declined the invitation.
President Trump first introduced the Board of Peace last fall as part of a broader proposal concerning Gaza, later indicating that the body would address other global conflict zones as well. He has also suggested that the initiative could replace the United Nations, stating, “The U.N. just hasn’t been very helpful,” according to LifeSiteNews.
The proposal has drawn mixed reactions internationally. In recent decades, the United Nations has faced criticism from many Christians and conservatives who argue that it has promoted policies at odds with Catholic moral teaching, including support for abortion, contraception, and gender ideology. At the same time, the Holy See has long maintained diplomatic engagement with the U.N., advocating for peace, human dignity, and the protection of life through established international frameworks.
By declining participation, the Vatican appears to be reaffirming its unique spiritual and diplomatic role on the world stage. While expressing appreciation for efforts to pursue peace, Church leaders have signaled that the Holy See must carefully discern how and where it formally aligns itself in complex geopolitical initiatives.
As global conflicts continue to challenge the international community, the Church’s mission remains rooted in proclaiming the Gospel, defending the dignity of every human person, and working for authentic peace grounded in justice and truth.
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