The Vatican has formally declined an invitation to participate in the newly established International Board of Peace announced by US President Donald Trump, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni confirmed on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
The invitation, extended in mid-January 2026, was addressed to Pope Leo XIV and sought the Holy See’s involvement in an advisory body intended to promote global conflict resolution, interfaith dialogue, and diplomatic initiatives under US leadership. President Trump described the board during its launch as a platform that would bring together “religious leaders, former statesmen, and peacemakers from every continent” to advise on preventing wars and fostering reconciliation.
In a brief statement released through the Holy See Press Office, Bruni said: “The Holy See appreciates the intention behind the proposal and shares the aspiration for peace in the world. However, after careful consideration, the Pope has decided not to participate in the International Board of Peace. The Catholic Church pursues its mission of peace through its own established channels, bilateral relations, and multilateral diplomacy under the framework of international law and the United Nations.”
The decision maintains the Vatican’s long-standing policy of avoiding formal membership in bodies that could be perceived as aligned with the foreign policy of any single nation-state. The Holy See typically engages in peace initiatives through the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace (now part of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development), direct papal mediation offers, and its permanent observer status at the United Nations.
Pope Leo XIV, who was elected in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis, has emphasized continuity in Vatican diplomacy while placing renewed focus on interreligious dialogue, climate justice, and the protection of vulnerable populations in conflict zones. Since taking office, he has met with leaders from Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Palestine, Sudan, and Myanmar, but has consistently declined invitations to join government-led advisory panels.
The White House has not yet issued a formal response to the Vatican’s decision. A senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the invitation as “an open gesture of respect” and said the board would proceed with other religious and civic leaders.
The International Board of Peace was officially launched on January 20, 2026, coinciding with the first anniversary of President Trump’s second inauguration. Among the initial appointees are several retired diplomats, faith leaders from evangelical, Jewish, and Muslim communities, and representatives from humanitarian organizations. No other major religious institution has publicly confirmed participation.
The Vatican’s refusal has drawn varied reactions. Some Catholic commentators praised the move as preserving the Church’s independence and universality, while others expressed disappointment, arguing that direct engagement could have amplified the voice of peace in US-led initiatives. Online discussions on platforms such as X and Catholic forums have highlighted the delicate balance the Holy See must maintain between dialogue with world powers and avoidance of partisan entanglement.
The decision aligns with precedent. During Pope Francis’s pontificate, the Vatican declined similar invitations to join US-led coalitions or advisory groups on multiple occasions, including climate and Middle East peace efforts, preferring instead to work through multilateral forums such as the United Nations or direct bilateral channels.
As the International Board of Peace begins its work, the Vatican is expected to continue its independent peacebuilding efforts, including quiet diplomacy in active conflict zones and public appeals for ceasefires and humanitarian access.
The Holy See reiterated its willingness to cooperate on peace initiatives on a case-by-case basis but made clear that formal membership in a body initiated by any single government is not consistent with its mission and diplomatic posture.
