President-elect Donald Trump has announced the appointment of Brian Burch, president of CatholicVote, as the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican. The Vatican, also known as the 'Holy See,' serves as the center of the Roman Catholic Church under the leadership of Pope Francis, with approximately 52 million Catholics in the U.S.
Burch, a father of nine, is a vocal conservative and a strong supporter of President Trump. His organization, CatholicVote, endorsed Trump in the recent election, contributing to the significant increase in Catholic support for the president.
Trump praised Burch for his role in securing a historic number of Catholic votes, leading to his victory in the election. The president-elect highlighted Burch's devout Catholicism, leadership qualities, and dedication to promoting the common good.
In response to his nomination, Burch expressed gratitude and humility, emphasizing his commitment to serving both his country and the Church. He acknowledged the importance of the Catholic Church's relationship with the United States and pledged to work towards upholding human dignity and supporting families.
CatholicVote, the organization led by Burch, lauded his nomination, citing his impactful campaigns and dedication to defending Catholic values. The group emphasized Burch's advocacy for the dignity of every individual and the crucial role of families in society.
With Burch's appointment, the Trump administration will see an increase in Catholic representation in key positions, including Vice-president JD Vance, Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, Health and Human Services Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and border czar Tom Homan.
The confirmation process for the ambassador to the Holy See position will involve Senate approval, marking a significant step in solidifying the relationship between the U.S. and the Vatican.