Vatican Declines Trump’s Invitation to Gaza Peace Commission
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, announced on Tuesday that Pope Leo XIV has chosen not to accept President Trump’s invitation to join the Gaza Peace Commission. During discussions with the Italian government in Rome, Parolin stated that the Holy See “will not participate in peace commissions due to their unique nature, which clearly doesn’t align with the roles of other nations.” He expressed that certain elements of the 20-point peace plan for Gaza left them feeling somewhat uneasy and emphasized that the Vatican would need additional clarification on some of the proposals.
“It’s important that efforts are underway to address these issues. However, there are significant questions that require answers,” Parolin remarked. He underscored that the United Nations should be the primary organization managing these international crisis situations, which is a point they have consistently highlighted.
Recently, Trump proposed in late January that he would be the first American to lead the Catholic Church. The commission is intended to act as an international body overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction, a project experts estimate could exceed $70 billion and potentially escalate global conflicts.
Pope Leo XIV has been clear about his stance on the situation in Gaza, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, urging Israel to stop what he termed “collective punishment” and the forced displacement of Palestinian residents. He has also demanded the release of all hostages held by Hamas and has criticized the ongoing war for its immense impact on safety and lives.
“We urge that a sustainable ceasefire be secured, that humanitarian aid be allowed safe passage, and that international humanitarian law is fully upheld,” he stated.
While thirty-five countries accepted Trump’s invitation to the Council, notable leaders like the Presidents of Russia and China have yet to announce their decisions. Participating member states wishing to join the Council permanently must contribute $1 billion.
Interestingly, none of the United States’ significant Western European allies are part of the council, which is set to convene for its initial in-person meeting in Washington, D.C., on February 19.
Neither the White House nor the Vatican has provided immediate commentary regarding these developments.
