The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV will not participate in the proposed Board of Peace initiated by Donald Trump, citing concerns about its structure and mandate.
The board, which is to be chaired indefinitely by Trump, was initially conceived to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza. However, its scope has since expanded into a broader global peacekeeping initiative. Pope Leo XIV had been invited to join the body last month.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, said the Holy See would not accept the invitation. He explained that officials were left perplexed by certain aspects of the proposal and noted that critical issues remain unresolved.
Parolin emphasized that the Vatican believes crisis management at the international level should primarily be handled by the United Nations. He stated that this principle has been a consistent point of insistence for the Holy See.
The remarks came during an event marking the anniversary of the Lateran Pacts, the agreement that elished Vatican City as a sovereign state. While Italy and the European Union have indicated they may attend the board as observers, the Vatican has opted out, citing its unique nature and mission.
Several other countries, including Britain, France and Norway, have also declined to participate. Diplomats and global leaders have raised concerns about the board’s expanded mandate, Trump’s indefinite leadership role and the possible implications for the authority of the United Nations.
Since his election, Pope Leo XIV, the first US born pontiff, has made peacebuilding central to his papacy. He has repeatedly stressed the importance of humanitarian law and multilateral cooperation, particularly in relation to the conflict in Gaza.
The Board of Peace is scheduled to hold its inaugural meeting in Washington on Thursday.
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