The Vatican has issued a careful but firm response to an invitation from Donald Trump

to participate in a newly proposed “Board of Peace,” an initiative described by

the White House as part of a broader framework aimed at post-conflict stabilization in Gaza.

Vatican officials made clear that, given the Holy See’s distinct diplomatic role,

it would not join the effort in its current form.

The response places the Vatican at the center of a rapidly evolving international discussion about reconstruction and governance in the region.

According to public statements, the proposed Board of Peace would coordinate

international support, oversee development planning, and promote long-term

stability following conflict. The administration indicated that the board

would include figures with backgrounds in diplomacy, infrastructure,

and economic policy, with President Trump chairing the initiative.

Officials described the proposal as a structured path toward rebuilding and accountability.

The Vatican’s position was articulated by Cardinal Pietro Parolin during remarks

to journalists in Rome. He explained that the Holy See’s “particular nature”

distinguishes it from nation-states that participate in political governance structures.

Parolin noted that aspects of the proposal were unclear and described certain

elements as raising questions that would require further clarification.

He emphasized that the Vatican’s diplomatic tradition favors approaches rooted in multilateral cooperation.

Parolin also reiterated the Holy See’s longstanding view that major international

crises are best addressed through established global institutions such as the United Nations.

Following the Vatican’s comments, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly

defended the initiative, describing it as a serious peace effort and expressing

disappointment at the Vatican’s decision. The exchange underscores a recurring

theme in global diplomacy: balancing new political frameworks proposed

by individual governments with multilateral structures favored by longstanding international actors.