The Vatican has decided not to join the so-called “Bord i Paqes” (Peace Board), prompting a reaction from the White House.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the Vatican’s decision as “regrettable,” emphasizing that peace should not be political or partisan. She noted that the Board is meant to oversee reconstruction in regions long plagued by violence, bloodshed, and poverty, and expressed the administration’s hope that all invitees would participate.
The Board, chaired indefinitely by Donald Trump, was initially created to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza, but its mandate has since expanded into a global peacekeeping body. Pope Leo XIV had been invited last month.
In response, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, stated that the invitation would not be accepted. He cited confusion over certain points of the plan and said that critical issues must first be addressed. The Vatican also expressed concerns that the Peace Board could potentially replace the work of the United Nations, creating coordination conflicts in international peace and reconstruction efforts.
