Holy See distances itself as US-led body expands mandate beyond Gaza reconstruction.
The Vatican will not participate in US President Donald Trump’s newly formed “Board of Peace,” according to remarks by Pietro Parolin reported by AFP.
Originally conceived as a body to oversee the Gaza truce and post-war reconstruction following the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Board of Peace has since expanded its mission to include broader international disputes.
This evolution has prompted debate over whether the initiative could function as an alternative diplomatic platform to the United Nations.
Vatican Emphasizes UN’s Central Role
Cardinal Parolin stated that the United Nations remains the appropriate forum for addressing major global crises.
“At the international level, it is above all the UN that manages these crisis situations,” he said, underscoring the Holy See’s longstanding position favoring multilateral diplomacy through established global institutions.
The Board of Peace was launched by Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January. Since then, at least 19 countries have signed its founding charter, according to earlier announcements.
Participating states are reportedly required to contribute $1 billion for permanent membership — a feature that has drawn criticism from some observers who question whether the structure resembles a “pay-to-play” model.
Gideon Sa’ar is expected to represent Israel at the body’s first meeting after Israel joined as a founding member.
Diplomatic Implications
The Vatican’s decision highlights differing approaches to global conflict resolution. While the Board of Peace seeks to position itself as a flexible diplomatic mechanism, the Holy See reaffirmed its preference for established international frameworks.
As the initiative’s mandate broadens beyond Gaza, its role in shaping future diplomatic efforts — and its relationship with existing institutions — remains to be seen.
