Senate confirms Brian Burch as ambassador to the Holy See

Last updated on August 7th, 2025 at 11:14 am

On August 2, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Brian Burch as the new U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See in a 49–44 vote. The confirmation came after months of delays, largely due to a Democratic blockade of State Department nominees. The Senate held a rare Saturday session to move the nomination forward, with Majority Leader John Thune invoking cloture to break the deadlock and allow the vote to proceed.

Brian Burch, a father of nine from the Chicago area and former president of CatholicVote, expressed deep gratitude to President Trump, Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Rubio, and the Senate for the opportunity to serve in this diplomatic role. He remarked on what he saw as a providential coincidence: both he and newly elected Pope Leo XIV are from Chicago. In a public statement, Burch asked for prayers from Americans, particularly from fellow Catholics, as he begins what he described as a noble mission.

His path to confirmation faced significant political resistance. In May, Senate Democrats placed a broad hold on State Department nominations in protest of the administration’s decision to close USAID, delaying over 50 appointments, including Burch’s. The Republican leadership eventually used procedural tools to force the vote, clearing the way for his confirmation just ahead of the pope’s installation.

During his confirmation hearing, Burch addressed a range of international topics, including U.S. foreign aid, the controversial Vatican–China agreement, and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. He supported efforts to reform foreign aid in ways that prioritize American security and prosperity. Burch also pledged to advocate for the Vatican’s independence in appointing bishops and emphasized the Holy See’s potential role in conflict resolution and humanitarian issues.

CatholicVote responded with enthusiasm to Burch’s confirmation. The organization’s new president, Kelsey Reinhardt, praised his years of leadership and dedication to engaging Catholics in public life. She expressed confidence in his ability to represent the United States with honor and offered prayers for his success in this new role.