The Vatican has issued a calm but firm response to President Donald Trump’s invitation to join his proposed “Board of Peace,” placing the Holy See at the center of a growing diplomatic discussion. Although Washington presented the initiative as a major step toward rebuilding and stabilizing Gaza after the conflict, Vatican officials clarified they will not participate in its current form, citing the Church’s unique role in global affairs.
Trump introduced the Board of Peace in January as part of a broader strategy aimed at ending the war and guiding Gaza toward long-term stability and development. The White House described the board as a coordinating body that would oversee implementation, gather international support, and ensure accountability, with Trump leading the initiative alongside experts in diplomacy, infrastructure, and economic development.
Speaking during a diplomatic engagement in Rome, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin explained that the Holy See would not join “because of its particular nature,” emphasizing that the Vatican does not operate like a traditional state. He also noted that certain aspects of the proposal remained unclear and raised concerns, describing parts of the plan as “somewhat perplexing” and requiring further explanation before any reconsideration.
Parolin stressed a broader principle guiding the Vatican’s position: international crises, he said, should primarily be addressed through the United Nations. Following the Vatican’s statement, the White House defended the initiative, calling it a serious peace effort while expressing disappointment at the Vatican’s decision.
For now, the exchange reflects a familiar dynamic in global diplomacy—between ambitious new proposals from major powers and the Vatican’s long-standing preference for neutrality and UN-centered conflict resolution.