diff --git a/cmake/CMakeLists.txt b/cmake/CMakeLists.txt
index cca609d8aa..954bd7b4ac 100644
--- a/cmake/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/cmake/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -205,7 +205,7 @@ endif()
 
 # do not include the (obsolete) MPI C++ bindings which makes for leaner object files
 # and avoids namespace conflicts. Put this early to increase its visbility.
-set(MPI_CXX_SKIP_MPICXX TRUE)
+set(MPI_CXX_SKIP_MPICXX TRUE CACHE BOOL "Skip MPI C++ Bindings" FORCE)
 
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 # User input options                                                   #