Vatican Rejects Trump’s Peace Council as Launch Nears

Overview

• Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said the Holy See will not participate, citing unspecified “critical issues” and emphasizing that crisis management should rest with the UN.
• Italy has formally declined to join on constitutional grounds, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani pointing to a single-leader structure and veto-style powers centered on President Trump.
• France, Germany, the United Kingdom and New Zealand have also opted out, reflecting wider resistance among Western governments.
• Reports differ on uptake, with at least 19 and as many as 26 adherents listed so far, including Qatar and Egypt, while permanent members are expected to contribute $1 billion.
• Unveiled at Davos to oversee a Gaza truce and reconstruction, the initiative has broadened to conflict mediation, and its first meeting is set for Feb. 19 after Trump confers with Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu.