Cardinal Pietro Parolin announced on February 17 that the Vatican firmly declined to join former President Trump’s Board of Peace, citing concerns about the organization’s structure and Trump’s chairmanship role. The Holy See expressed worry that the board could undermine the United Nations’ role in managing international crises and questioned the $1 billion membership fee for permanent seats. Over two dozen countries accepted membership, committing more than $5 billion for Gaza humanitarian initiatives, though several European allies also rejected participation. The decision reflects broader questions about international cooperation and representation.
The Vatican declined to join former President Donald Trump’s newly established Board of Peace, citing concerns about the organization’s structure and its potential to undermine the United Nations‘ role in managing international crises. Cardinal Pietro Parolin announced the decision on February 17, following a bilateral meeting in Rome at Palazzo Borromeo, where he described the refusal as firm and based on several dissuading issues. The Holy See emphasized its “particular nature” as distinct from other states, making participation in the board unsuitable. Vatican officials expressed perplexity over the board’s structure and Trump’s chairmanship authority, noting that the UN should manage international crisis situations above all. The $1 billion membership fee required for a permanent seat presented another obstacle, as did concerns about the board’s scope potentially expanding beyond Gaza to other conflicts. Trump announced the Board of Peace in September as an international transitional body focused on Gaza reconstruction. He will head and chair the organization, with the inaugural meeting scheduled for February 19 at the renamed Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace. Over two dozen countries accepted membership, including Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Hungary, Vietnam, and El Salvador. Member nations have committed over $5 billion for Gaza humanitarian initiatives. Several key European allies joined the Vatican in declining participation. France and Spain rejected invitations, while Italy opted for observer status rather than full membership due to constitutional incompatibility. The European Union indicated intentions to send representatives to the first meeting. Importantly, no Palestinians were invited to serve on the board, prompting Latin Patriarch Pizzaballa to label it a “colonialist operation” for deciding on Palestinian matters without their representation. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the Vatican’s decision “deeply unfortunate,” stating that the choice reflects a missed commitment to the board’s peace principles. She emphasized that peace should not be partisan, political, or controversial, refusing to disclose details of diplomatic conversations. The rejection occurs amid broader church opposition to Trump policies, particularly regarding immigration and multilateralism. The Republican leader announced a $10 billion pledge to rebuild the Gaza Strip as part of implementing his peace plan based on 20 points previously approved by Israel and Hamas in October. The Gaza conflict began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people, with militants engaging in sexual violence and taking hostages before retreating to Gaza. The Vatican also reflected on Israel’s covenantal promises when considering its stance in international diplomatic efforts.
