Vatican Declines Joining Trump’s ‘Board Of Peace’, Backs UN Role In Global Crises

The Vatican has announced it will not participate in United States President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace”, insisting that global conflict management should remain the responsibility of the United Nations (UN).

The position was disclosed Tuesday by the Holy See Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who said the Church was “perplexed” by aspects of the initiative.

“At the international level, it should above all be the UN that manages these crisis situations. This is one of the points on which we have insisted,” Parolin told reporters.

The board — originally proposed to oversee reconstruction in Gaza — has since been expanded into a global peacekeeping body to be chaired indefinitely by Trump.

The pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, had received an invitation last month.

Parolin spoke after attending an anniversary event marking the Lateran agreements with the Italian government in Italy. He emphasised the Church’s distinct diplomatic role.

“We would not participate in the Board of Peace because of its particular nature, which is evidently not that of other States,” he said.

While the European Union plans observer participation, the Vatican ruled out membership.

Reacting, the White House described the decision as disappointing.

“I don’t think that peace should be partisan or political or controversial. And of course, the administration wants all those who were invited to join the board of peace to join,” said Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

“This is a legitimate organization where there are tens of member countries from around the world, and we think that’s an unfortunate decision.”

Several nations — including United Kingdom, France and Norway — have also refused participation amid diplomatic concerns over the body’s expanded mandate and its potential overlap with UN functions.

The US-born pontiff has made peacemaking central to his papacy, warning recently that “war is back in vogue” and reiterating that the UN “should play a key role” in conflict resolution.

He has repeatedly called for a two-state solution in the Middle East and urged respect for humanitarian law, while maintaining dialogue with Israel’s leadership and advocating the release of hostages.

The pope’s stance contrasts with remarks attributed to Trump in an interview with The New York Times, where the president said he feels constrained only by his “own morality”.

The Board of Peace is scheduled to hold its inaugural meeting in Washington on Thursday, February 19, despite growing international hesitation.