Pope Declines Trump's Invitation to Join Gaza Peace Board

Vatican cites 'critical issues' with the board's 'particular nature'

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Pope Leo XIV has declined President Trump's invitation to join the Board of Peace for Gaza, according to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State. Parolin stated that the Vatican will not participate in the board because of its 'particular nature' and that some points of the 20-point plan 'leave us somewhat perplexed', requiring further 'explanations'. The Vatican insisted that the UN should be the primary body managing such international crises.

Why it matters

The Pope's decision not to join the Trump-led peace board highlights the Vatican's concerns about the board's structure and approach, potentially signaling a divergence between the Vatican's and the Trump administration's visions for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This could complicate diplomatic efforts to find a lasting solution in Gaza.

The details

Trump had offered the Pope a seat on the Board of Peace in late January, which is intended to oversee the $70 billion rebuilding of Gaza and deescalate conflicts globally. However, Parolin stated that the Vatican has 'certain critical issues' with the board that need to be resolved, including the fact that the UN should be the primary body managing such international crises. The Vatican has been vocal about the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, with Pope Leo XIV previously pleading for a permanent ceasefire and an end to the 'collective punishment' of Gazans.

  • In late January, Trump offered Pope Leo XIV a seat on the Board of Peace.
  • On February 17, 2026, Cardinal Pietro Parolin announced the Vatican's decision to decline the invitation.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current leader of the Catholic Church, who has been vocal about the situation in Gaza and called for an end to the conflict.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin

The Vatican Secretary of State, who announced the Vatican's decision to decline Trump's invitation to join the Board of Peace.

President Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who invited Pope Leo XIV to join the Board of Peace for Gaza.

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What they’re saying

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

— Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State (Vatican News)

“I beg for a permanent ceasefire to be reached, the safe entry of humanitarian aid to be facilitated and humanitarian law to be fully respected.”

— Pope Leo XIV (Vatican News)

What’s next

The Board of Peace is scheduled to hold its first in-person gathering in Washington D.C. on February 19, 2026. It remains to be seen if the Vatican will continue to engage with the board or if it will maintain its distance due to the 'critical issues' it has identified.

The takeaway

The Pope's refusal to join the Trump-led peace board highlights the Vatican's concerns about the board's approach and structure, potentially signaling a divergence between the Vatican's and the Trump administration's visions for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This could complicate diplomatic efforts to find a lasting solution in Gaza.