Trump appoints Brian Burch as ambassador to the Holy See, sparking controversy
- Brian Burch, president of CatholicVote, was appointed by Trump as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, highlighting his connection to one of the largest Catholic advocacy groups.
- Burch has a history of criticizing Pope Francis, notably on the issue of same-sex marriage, potentially complicating diplomatic relations with the Vatican.
- His nomination has sparked discussion on the influence of conservative Catholics in U.S. politics and the future dynamics of U.S.-Holy See relations.
In late November 2024, President-elect Donald Trump appointed Brian Burch as the next U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, which serves as the central governing body of the Catholic Church and is located in Vatican City, Rome. Burch is the president of CatholicVote, a prominent conservative Catholic advocacy group. Through his leadership, the organization has gained recognition for its significant influence on Catholic voters, notably during the recent election cycle, where CatholicVote claimed Trump garnered a historic proportion of Catholic votes against his opponent, Kamala Harris. Burch’s nomination stirred controversy as he has been a vocal critic of Pope Francis, especially concerning issues such as the blessing of same-sex marriages. His criticism led to speculation about how this viewpoint might affect diplomatic relations between the United States and the Holy See. Despite these apprehensions, both Trump and Burch praised the importance of the Catholic Church and the role of Catholics in the U.S., emphasizing a commitment to promoting the dignity of all people and the common good in his new role. The nomination was embraced by CatholicVote as an affirmation of the influence of Catholic voters in American political discourse. Burch expressed gratitude for his nomination, acknowledging the support of his family and the CatholicVote team. He reflected on the teachings of his father and emphasized his commitment to serving his country and the Church in this new capacity, suggesting a focus on reinforcing U.S. relations with the Catholic institution. Critics voiced concerns regarding Burch’s ability to represent U.S. interests in a delicate, multifaceted relationship given his criticisms of the current pope. They argued that his nomination could lead to increased tensions and misinterpretations regarding U.S. foreign policy towards the Vatican, which historically has supported global humanitarian issues and moral diplomacy. Burch’s commitment to working with Vatican leaders has been framed as essential for ensuring dialogue and collaboration going forward.