Vatican declines to join US-led Gaza Board of Peace, cites UN role

2026-02-18 - 09:52

The Vatican has formally declined to join the Board of Peace, a US-led international initiative focused on post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza and broader global stability efforts, citing fundamental concerns about its structure and relationship to the United Nations. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin announced the decision Sunday during a bilateral meeting with Italian officials at Palazzo Borromeo, according to Vatican News. Reasons for Refusal Parolin explained that the Vatican's decision stemmed from "the board's particular nature, which clearly differs from that of ordinary states," and noted that "several points remain perplexing and require further explanation." The cardinal emphasized that the Holy See's primary concern rests on the principle that international crisis management "should be handled by the UN"—a position the Vatican has repeatedly and consistently articulated in international forums. From Cautious Consideration to Firm Rejection The refusal follows an earlier, more cautious response in January 2026, when the Vatican confirmed receiving an invitation and indicated it was studying possible participation while underlining the need to ensure alignment with international law. The Board of Peace was formally established through a charter signing ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22, 2026, during the World Economic Forum, where US President Donald Trump ratified the charter alongside founding members. The board comprises approximately 26 founding member countries, with some sources reporting up to 35 participants or signatories from the Middle East, Asia, parts of Europe, and Latin America. UN Endorsement and Observers' Concerns The board received partial endorsement through UN Security Council Resolution 2803 concerning its Gaza mandate. However, observers note that the board's apparent independence from full UN oversight, despite limited Security Council backing for specific functions, poses serious questions about its authority and legitimacy. No new official statement from the UN has directly addressed the Vatican's concerns regarding the board's independence or its relationship to UN-led processes, leaving unresolved the fundamental questions that prompted the Holy See's unprecedented refusal to participate.