Pope Leo XIV has sparked potential tensions with former U.S. President Donald Trump by rejecting an invitation to join the “Board of Peace,” a strategic initiative aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The decision, confirmed by a senior Vatican official, underscores the Pope’s reservations about the current structure of the U.S.-led peace efforts.
The initiative, which Trump has been championing since late last year, involves a 20-point peace plan developed in collaboration with nations including Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Pakistan, and Indonesia. The plan, endorsed by the United Nations, seeks to bring stability to Gaza through strategic oversight and resource mobilization.
Pope Leo’s Concerns Over U.S. Leadership
The Board of Peace, chaired by Trump, aims to guide Gaza toward reconstruction and stability. However, Pope Leo’s decision to decline participation reflects his concerns about the U.S. assuming a primary role in managing international crisis situations. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, articulated these concerns, emphasizing the need for the United Nations to lead such efforts.
“At the international level, it should above all be the U.N. that manages these crisis situations,” Cardinal Parolin stated, according to Reuters.
Pope Leo’s stance is consistent with his longstanding skepticism of Trump’s policies, making his refusal to join the Board less surprising to observers.
Composition and Controversy of the Board
The Board of Peace is composed of notable figures, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Robert Gabriel Jr., and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
“The Board of Peace will prove to be the most consequential International Body in History, and it is my honor to serve as its Chairman,” Trump declared on Truth Social on February 15.
Despite the ambitious goals of the Board, its composition has drawn criticism. Concerns have been raised about the inclusion of international leaders involved in global conflicts, such as Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, both of whom are embroiled in long-standing wars.
Global Reception and Future Prospects
While the Vatican has declined involvement, the initiative has garnered support from several countries, including Armenia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. The Board’s meeting on February 19 resulted in $5 million in pledges, as reported by Trump, signaling some international commitment to the peace process.
However, the limited number of countries formally joining the Board highlights the challenges it faces in gaining widespread acceptance. The decision by Pope Leo and other nations to abstain from participation underscores the complexities of international diplomacy and the need for a more inclusive and balanced approach.
As the Board of Peace moves forward, its success will depend on its ability to address these concerns and foster collaboration among a diverse array of stakeholders. The Vatican’s stance may prompt further discussions about the role of international organizations like the United Nations in leading peace efforts.
UNILAD has reached out to the White House for comment on the situation, but as of now, no official response has been provided. The development marks a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue about global peace initiatives and the balance of power in international relations.
