Vatican city: The Vatican has announced its decision not to participate in the Board of Peace, an international body led by the United States and focused on post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza and broader global stability efforts.
According to Anadolu Agency, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin conveyed this decision during a bilateral meeting with Italian officials at Palazzo Borromeo. He explained that the Vatican’s unique nature, which differs from ordinary states, was a key factor in the decision, alongside several unresolved issues that require further clarification.
Parolin emphasized that the Vatican maintains its stance that international crisis management should ideally be under the purview of the United Nations, a position it has consistently advocated. This definitive refusal follows a more cautious approach from January 2026, when the Vatican acknowledged receiving an invitation to join the board and indicated it was still assessing potential participation in alignment with international law.
The Board of Peace was officially established on January 22, 2026, through a charter signing ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, during the World Economic Forum. US President Donald Trump, as chairman, ratified the charter alongside founding members. The board is partially backed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803 concerning its Gaza mandate.
Currently, the board consists of approximately 26 founding member countries, although some sources suggest up to 35 participants or signatories. These include states from the Middle East, Asia, parts of Europe, and Latin America. Observers have raised concerns about the board’s independence from comprehensive UN oversight, despite limited Security Council support for specific functions.
To date, the United Nations has not issued a new official statement addressing the Vatican’s concerns about the board’s independence or its connection to UN-led initiatives.
