Vatican breaks silence on Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace”

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo will not participate in President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace,” saying global conflicts are better addressed through established international institutions.

President Donald Trump recently announced the creation of what he called a “Board of Peace,” describing it as a new initiative aimed at addressing conflicts in regions such as Gaza. The proposal included invitations to multiple nations and global leaders, with permanent membership reportedly requiring a significant financial contribution.

According to reports, a number of U.S. allies — including Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine — chose not to join the initiative. Other nations, such as Israel, Argentina, Russia, Hungary, and Saudi Arabia, have reportedly agreed to participate.

The announcement drew attention not only because of its structure, but also because of the prominent figures invited to take part.

Vatican responds after review

In January, Trump extended an invitation to Pope Leo, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. At the time, Vatican officials said the Holy See would take time to consider the request.

Now, the Vatican has formally declined.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s Secretary of State and top diplomat, indicated that the Pope believes international conflicts — including the situation in Gaza — should be addressed within the framework of the United Nations rather than through a body led by a single nation.

While Pope Leo has not issued a detailed personal statement about the decision, his position is consistent with past remarks emphasizing multilateral cooperation, human rights protections, and respect for international law.

In recent months, Pope Leo has spoken about the importance of safeguarding human dignity, protecting refugees, and ensuring that global leadership remains grounded in fairness and shared responsibility. Observers note that declining the invitation aligns with those themes.

The development highlights ongoing debates about how best to promote peace in conflict zones — whether through new initiatives or through established international organizations.

As discussions continue, the Vatican’s response underscores its longstanding support for multilateral diplomacy as the primary path toward resolving global disputes.

What are your thoughts on this decision?