President-elect Donald Trump has announced Brian Burch, president and co-founder of CatholicVote, as his choice for US ambassador to the Vatican.
Trump took to his social media Truth Social, “I am pleased to announce that Brian Burch will serve as the next United States Ambassador to the Holy See. Brian is a devout Catholic, a father of nine, and President of CatholicVote.”
Burch also said that he is committed to promoting human dignity and the common good in his new role.
Trump also appreciated Brian saying that he has received numerous awards, and demonstrated exceptional leadership, helping build one of the largest Catholic advocacy groups in the Country.
“He represented me well during the last Election, having garnered more Catholic votes than any Presidential Candidate in History!”
The nomination comes as Trump continues to maintain strong support among Catholic voters. According to AP, 22 per cent of voters in November identified as Catholic, with 55 per cent backing Trump. This marks a notable shift from 2020, when the Catholic vote was evenly divided between Trump and President Joe Biden.
Burch, who lives in suburban Chicago with his wife, Sara, and their nine children, leads the advocacy group focused on Catholic values. Expressing confidence in his nominee, Trump posted on social media, “Brian loves his Church and the United States – He will make us all proud.”
Biden, a practising Catholic, is scheduled to meet with Pope Francis during a January visit to the Vatican, marking his final trip as president.