The Vatican has announced it will not participate in President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s top diplomat, emphasized that crisis management should be leading by the United Nations, rather than an unofficial board.
In January, Pope Leo was invited to join the board, which was created to address issues in Gaza following a fragile ceasefire last October. The board is intended to oversee Gaza’s temporary governance, and Trump plans to expand its role to tackle global conflicts. The first meeting is scheduled in Washington this Thursday.
While Italy and the European Union plan to observe the meeting, they have chosen not to join the board. Parolin pointed out that the Vatican’s nature differs from other states. He stressed that crisis situations should primarily be managed by international bodies like the UN.
Concerns have been raised about Trump leading this board, with some experts likening it to a colonial structure. Critics note that the board does not include Palestinian representation, raising eyebrows among various rights advocates. Many countries have reacted cautiously, worried that this initiative could undermine the UN’s authority. While some Middle Eastern allies of the U.S. have participated, many Western countries have refrained from joining.
Since last October, the ceasefire in Gaza has been fragile, with hundreds of casualties reported. The conflict has escalated severely, with Israel’s actions resulting in over 72,000 Palestinian deaths and a humanitarian crisis. Internally, the entire population of Gaza has been displaced, leading to drastic food shortages.
In statements from various rights organizations and a UN inquiry, many describe Israel’s actions as genocidal. Israel frames its actions as self-defense in response to a deadly attack by Hamas.
Pope Leo has consistently voiced concern over the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza. As the leader of over 1.4 billion Catholics, he traditionally avoids joining international boards, preferring to address issues through the Vatican’s extensive diplomatic channels and its role as a permanent observer at the United Nations.
The discussion of peace efforts continues globally, reminding us that the role of established institutions like the UN is still vital in addressing crises and conflicts worldwide.
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