Feb 19 • 04:00 UTC 🇮🇹 Italy Il Giornale

Vatican against Trump: "We are perplexed"

The Vatican expressed its perplexity over not being included in the newly formed Board of Peace initiated by Donald Trump to oversee Gaza's reconstruction efforts.

A month after the formation of the 'Board of Peace' in Davos, Switzerland, U.S. President Donald Trump held the first official meeting of the board in Washington, D.C. A significant aspect of this meeting was the announcement that several member countries would contribute over $5 billion for the reconstruction of Gaza. This initiative has so far attracted about thirty countries; however, the Vatican has opted not to participate.

Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin remarked on the decision, stating that the absence of the Holy See was 'profoundly unfortunate,' emphasizing that peace initiatives should not be political or controversial. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed the legitimacy of the board and underscored the view that peace should be an objective beyond political boundaries. The implications of the Vatican's exclusion could indicate broader tensions or differing approaches among nations in addressing the situation in Gaza.

According to sources in Brussels, the attendance from EU nations could include up to 13 members, alongside the European Commission. The Vatican's non-involvement raises questions about the potential effectiveness of the Board of Peace, given its moral and diplomatic weight. The Vatican has long been a key player in international dialogues regarding peace and humanitarian efforts, making its absence from such a coalition noteworthy.

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