Vatican Rejects Trump's 'Board of Peace,' Prefers UN for 'Crisis Situations'

The Vatican has declined President Donald Trump’s invitation to join his new “Board of Peace,” preferring that global crises be managed through the United Nations.

The board, part of Trump’s Gaza proposal leading to a delicate ceasefire in October, is set to meet in Washington to focus on Gaza's reconstruction. Trump, set to lead the group, hinted it could broaden to address global conflicts.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s top diplomat, cited the Vatican’s unique nature as a reason for not joining. He stressed the UN should handle international crises, a long-held Vatican belief.

Pope Leo’s Invitation and Vatican’s Approach

Pope Leo, the first American-born pope, received the invite in January. While the Vatican has a strong diplomatic presence and observer status at the UN, it rarely directly engages in political bodies.

Trump announced at Davos that 60 nations were invited, with over 20, including Israel, Argentina, Russia, Hungary, and Saudi Arabia, agreeing to participate.

However, key Western allies like France, Germany, Italy, and the UK declined to join. Trump also withdrew Canada’s invite amid a trade dispute with Prime Minister Mark Carney.