U.S. President Donald Trump has officially requested that the Holy See in the Vatican join the Peace Board for the reconstruction of Gaza and other parts of the world. The news was announced by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
“It seems I read somewhere that Italy is also reflecting on this issue. We too have received this invitation. The Pope has received it, and we are seeing what we will do. I believe this is a matter that requires some time for consideration before giving an answer,” Parolin said at an event organized by the Observatory for Independent Thought in Rome.
However, Parolin emphasized that the Vatican is not in a position to contribute financially to the Gaza Peace Board.
“We are not participating from an economic perspective, nor are we able to do so,” he said. “Of course, regarding this point I wouldn’t know what to answer, but clearly we are in a different situation from other countries, so our assessment will also be different. But I believe the request will not be for us to participate financially, because we are not able to do so.”
Regarding tensions between the U.S. and Europe, Parolin stated that a climate is being created that worsens the global situation, and “it is important to ease tensions through discussion, not polemics.”
From Davos, Trump said today that “he loves Europe, but he does not like the direction it has taken.”
Parolin believes that Trump must first and foremost respect international law.
“And what can I say about this? It is his perspective: as long as international law is respected, I think that is what matters, beyond personal feelings which are legitimate. The rules of the international community must be respected,” Parolin responded.
Albania and Kosovo will also be part of the Gaza Peace Board as founding member states.
