The Vatican is taking its time to consider a recent invitation from former U.S. President Donald Trump to join a newly proposed “Board of Peace” focused on Gaza.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, confirmed Wednesday that the pope has received the invitation and that the Holy See is carefully evaluating how to respond.
“We too have received the invitation to the Board of Peace for Gaza.
The pope has received it and we are seeing what to do; we are looking into it in depth,” Parolin told reporters on Jan.
21. He added that this is not a decision to be rushed.
“I think it is an issue that requires a bit of time to give an answer.”
A Global Initiative Beyond the UN
The proposed Board of Peace is envisioned as an independent international body aimed at tackling global conflicts, with a special focus on the ongoing war in Gaza.
According to reports, participating nations would contribute financially in exchange for a permanent seat at the table.
Trump has reportedly invited several countries to take part, sparking discussions in capitals around the world.
Some states have already publicly signaled their participation, including Belarus, the United Arab Emirates, Hungary, Egypt, and Israel.
Italy, Parolin noted, is still weighing whether to join the initiative.
The Vatican’s Unique Role
While the Vatican is considering the invitation, Cardinal Parolin made it clear that the Holy See would not make a financial contribution.
“We are not even in a position to do that,” he said, emphasizing that the Vatican occupies a unique role compared with other nations.
“Evidently we find ourselves in a different situation with respect to other countries, so it will be a different consideration.”
This approach allows the Vatican to engage diplomatically without being bound by financial commitments, a distinction Parolin highlighted as key to its participation.
Avoiding Tensions Amid Global Frictions
Parolin also weighed in on broader tensions between the United States and European countries, describing them as unhealthy and counterproductive.
“Tensions are not healthy,” he said, noting that they exacerbate an already fragile international climate.
“I think what is important would be to eliminate tensions, discuss the points that are controversial, but without entering into polemics or generating tensions.”
Respecting International Law in the Middle East and Beyond
When questioned about recent remarks from Trump at the World Economic Forum regarding Greenland, Parolin reiterated the importance of adhering to international law in all international dealings.
His comments framed the Vatican’s cautious approach to global diplomacy, highlighting the Holy See’s focus on legality and ethical considerations in sensitive matters like territorial negotiations or conflict resolution.
What Comes Next for the Vatican
At this stage, the Vatican is taking a deliberate, measured approach to the invitation.
The decision will likely involve careful consultation within the Holy See, weighing its role as a moral and diplomatic actor against the political and financial expectations of other states.
Meanwhile, discussions among other invited countries continue, as the proposed Board of Peace seeks to define its membership and mission in a turbulent global environment.
The story underscores a larger trend of non-UN initiatives seeking to influence international conflicts and highlights the Vatican’s cautious yet potentially pivotal role in global peace efforts.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn