Why the Vatican Declined to Join Trump’s Gaza Board of Peace and Urges UN Leadership
Vatican bows out — politely
The Vatican announced it will not take part in the newly formed Board of Peace. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the Holy See “will not participate in the Board of Peace because of its particular nature, which is evidently not that of other States,” noting there are some critical points that need explanation.
The tone was diplomatic: supportive of the idea of aiding civilians and rebuilding, but cautious about the board’s setup and how responsibilities would be allocated.
What the Board of Peace aims to do
The Board was set up in January to coordinate recovery efforts in the Gaza Strip after the Israel-Hamas war, and it includes nearly 20 countries. Leaders from around the world signed the initial charter in Davos, with the goal of organizing reconstruction, pooling resources, and turning pledges into practical assistance.
U.S. officials say participating countries have pledged more than $5 billion in aid. Israel formally joined the board ahead of a meeting between its prime minister and the U.S. president, and the plan is to convert those commitments into on-the-ground support.
Who’s in, who’s out — and the awkward RSVP list
Some nations have declined invitations: Italy and Poland announced they would not join, and the Vatican’s decision adds another high-profile pass. A number of other countries received invitations from the White House, spanning Europe, Asia and beyond.
The central point of contention is coordination: Vatican representatives emphasized that, at the international level, the United Nations should play a leading role in managing crisis situations. Meanwhile, the Board of Peace will proceed without Vatican participation, and discussions about oversight and the best path forward continue.