Pope Leo XIV Declines Trump’s Invitation

Pope Leo XIV has refused Donald Trump's invitation to join the «Board of Peace», a new U.S.-backed group presented as a way to manage the future of Gaza after the war and support reconstruction. The Vatican's decision was confirmed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See's Secretary of State, who said the Pope would not take part because the project does not fit the Vatican's diplomatic role. Parolin stated that the Holy See «will not participate in the Board of Peace because of its particular nature, which is evidently not that of other States.»

The refusal comes just before the first official meeting of the group in Washington.

Parolin also suggested the Vatican remains unsure about how the board would work and what its real goals are. «There are points that leave us somewhat perplexed. There are some critical points that would need to find explanations,» he said. He added: «The important thing is that an attempt is being made to provide a response. However, for us there are certain critical issues that should be resolved.» The cardinal made clear that the Vatican believes international crises should be handled through existing global institutions, especially the United Nations. «One concern is that 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,» he said.

Trump has described the «Board of Peace» as a major international project. He has said it will first focus on Gaza, then expand to other global conflicts. U.S. reporting said Trump called it the «Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place.»

A senior U.S. official also insisted the plan is not only about the Middle East, saying:

«The Board of Peace is not going to be limited to Gaza. It's a Board of Peace around the world.»

Trump reportedly explained that the idea would begin with Gaza before moving on to other crises, saying: «It's going to, in my opinion, start with Gaza and then do conflicts as they arise.»

The Vatican's refusal also comes as the United Nations tries to keep its own role central in Gaza diplomacy. The UN Security Council reportedly adjusted its schedule because Trump's meeting was planned for the same day. Some diplomats fear Trump's new board could weaken the UN's influence or create a parallel process. Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour made his position clear, telling reporters:

«We expect from the international community to stop Israel and end their illegal effort against annexation, whether in Washington or in New York.» The overlap between the UN and Trump's project has increased concerns about competing approaches.

Even without the Vatican, the Trump administration says many countries have agreed to participate. According to the Associated Press, «more than 20 countries» have accepted invitations. U.S. ambassador Mike Waltz said key Middle East partners are involved and claimed Egypt and Qatar have accepted. Speaking to radio host Hugh Hewitt, he said:

«All of those countries are on the Board of Peace, singing the same tune as the United States.» Other reports have also mentioned countries such as Hungary, Vietnam, El Salvador and Israel as participants, although several major allies have not confirmed whether they will fully join.

The first meeting of the «Board of Peace» is scheduled for Feb. 19 in Washington. Trump has claimed participating countries have promised more than $5 billion to support rebuilding and humanitarian aid in Gaza, though the details have not been fully made public. Reports also say Italy and the European Union may attend as observers rather than full members.

The White House has defended the project as a long-term plan aimed at stability. A senior U.S. official said: «The Pope and Vatican are welcome to join the many other nations who are committed to the Board of Peace and its guiding principles promoting stability and securing enduring peace.»

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