Cardinal Parolin says the Holy See will not join the Board of Peace, stressing its unique diplomatic nature and UN’s primary role in crises.
Newsroom (18/02/2026 Gaudium Press ) At a solemn gathering marking the anniversary of the Lateran Pacts, held at Palazzo Borromeo in Rome, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin reaffirmed that the Holy See will not participate in the newly proposed Board of Peace. Speaking on the sidelines of the bilateral meeting between the Vatican and the Italian Government, Parolin emphasized that the Holy See’s distinct nature prevents it from engaging as a state actor in such international mechanisms.
“The Holy See will not participate in the Board of Peace because of its particular nature, which is evidently not that of other States,” Cardinal Parolin explained. His remarks underscored the Vatican’s traditional stance as a moral and spiritual interlocutor rather than a political entity within intergovernmental structures.
President Sergio Mattarella was also in attendance at the meeting, which took place at the Italian Embassy to the Holy See. The annual occasion serves as both a symbolic and practical reaffirmation of the enduring relationship between the Vatican and Italy, founded on the Lateran Pacts of 1929.
Concerns Over Structure and Role of the Board
Pressed by journalists regarding Italy’s observer role in the Board of Peace, the Cardinal noted that “there are points that leave us somewhat perplexed.” He cautioned that several “critical points” within the initiative merit further clarification before the Holy See could consider any involvement.
“The important thing,” Parolin said, “is that an attempt is being made to provide a response. However, for us there are certain critical issues that should be resolved.” Among the primary concerns, he highlighted the need for the United Nations to remain at the forefront of mediating and managing global crises. “It should above all be the UN that manages these situations,” he stressed, reiterating the Vatican’s confidence in multilateral diplomacy guided by international law.
Pessimism Over Ukraine’s Ongoing War
Turning to the conflict in Ukraine, Cardinal Parolin voiced a sobering assessment. As the war approaches its fourth anniversary, he acknowledged the deepening sense of pessimism surrounding peace efforts. “On both sides it does not seem to us that there are real advances regarding peace,” he said solemnly.
The Cardinal cited ongoing bombardments against critical energy infrastructure in Kyiv and other cities as a reminder of the suffering endured by civilians. “It is tragic that after four years, we still find ourselves at this point,” Parolin added. He expressed hope that current diplomatic dialogues—however fragile—might yield some movement toward reconciliation, but admitted that “there is not much hope and not many expectations.”
Affirming Rome-Vatican Cooperation
Despite concerns at the global level, Cardinal Parolin emphasized the positive relationship between the Holy See and the Italian Government. During the bilateral talks, he offered “an expression of thanks” to Italian authorities for their attention to matters close to the Church’s mission, notably in areas of family policy, education, disability, and prison conditions.
“These are issues on which there are working groups that concern more directly the Italian Bishops’ Conference,” he noted, “and on which progress has been made.” The tone of mutual respect and ongoing cooperation underlined the Vatican’s commitment to partnership with Italy on humanitarian and social priorities, even as it maintains cautious distance from new international frameworks like the Board of Peace.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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