The Holy See will not join the proposed Board of Peace, saying its role is different from that of other states.

Pope Leo, an American pope who is critical of certain policies of President Donald Trump, was invited to join the board.

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin stated this on the sidelines of a bilateral meeting with the Italian government in Rome. The meeting was held at Palazzo Borromeo, the seat of the Italian Embassy to the Holy See, during the anniversary of the signing of the Lateran Pacts.

Parolin told reporters that some aspects of the proposal raise concerns.

“There are points that leave us somewhat perplexed. There are some critical issues that need clarification,” he said.

He added that while efforts are being made to address global crises, certain matters must first be resolved.

“The important thing is that an attempt is being made to provide a response. However, for us, there are critical issues that should be resolved,” the cardinal said.

One major concern, Parolin explained, is that crisis management at the international level should primarily be handled by the United Nations.

“At the international level it should above all be the UN that manages these crisis situations. This is one of the points on which we have insisted,” he said.

US President Donald Trump earlier announced that the board would oversee Gaza’s temporary governance amid a fragile ceasefire that has been in place since October 2025.

Trump said he intends to serve as chair of the board and plans to expand its role to address other global conflicts.

The board is set to hold its first meeting in Washington on Thursday, Feb. 19, to discuss the reconstruction of war-ravaged Gaza.

Italy and the European Union have expressed willingness to participate as observers.