Brian Burch has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as the next American ambassador to the Holy See, following months of delays and political division.

The confirmation comes as the Catholic Church welcomes its first American pope, placing Burch—a longtime Catholic activist and former president of CatholicVote—at the center of a historically significant moment in U.S.-Vatican relations, Catholic News Agency reported.

On August 2, the Senate approved Burch in a narrow 49-44 vote. His nomination had been stalled for several months while political disagreements over foreign policy and agency management played out behind the scenes. The confirmation was finalized after Senate Majority Leader John Thune filed cloture on July 31, ending the logjam.

Burch, a Catholic father of nine from Chicago, built a national profile as the founder and president of CatholicVote, a faith-based group that promotes Catholic values in U.S. public life. With the Vatican now led by Pope Leo XIV—also a Chicago native and the first American pontiff—Burch steps into a role with symbolic and diplomatic importance.

Initially, his nomination faced resistance from Senate Democrats, who had blocked more than 50 State Department appointments earlier in the summer. At the center of this opposition was Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii, who issued a blanket hold on diplomatic nominees to protest actions by the Trump administration related to the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Nomination Advanced After Partisan Gridlock

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced Burch's nomination with unanimous approval from its 12 Republican members. The 10 Democrats on the committee voted against him, reflecting the partisan divide that marked the confirmation process.

During his confirmation hearing, Burch addressed a variety of global issues, including foreign aid strategy, U.S.-China-Vatican relations, and ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas. He voiced support for realigning U.S. foreign assistance under the direction of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with a focus on national security and prosperity.

In testimony, Burch also pledged to oppose increased Chinese government involvement in the appointment of Catholic bishops. He remarked that the Vatican could play an essential role in ending the Israel-Hamas conflict and in advocating for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas militants.

Symbolic Ties Between Rome and Chicago

Burch emphasized the historical significance of serving during the tenure of the Church's first American pontiff. “I have the honor and fortune of serving in this role following the historic election of the first American pope,” he said following his confirmation.

Noting the shared hometown of both himself and Pope Leo XIV, Burch added, “In a remarkable coincidence, or what I prefer to attribute to providence, Pope Leo XIV is from Chicago, which is also my hometown.” That connection underscores the symbolic closeness between the new ambassador and the Vatican’s current leadership.

He also acknowledged the broader implications of his mission. “The relationship between the Holy See and the United States remains one of the most unique in the world,” he said, emphasizing the role of the Holy See in promoting global peace and prosperity through moral and diplomatic leadership.

Burch Departs CatholicVote After 17 Years

CatholicVote, the organization Burch led for nearly two decades, announced Kelsey Reinhardt as its new president following his departure. Reinhardt praised Burch’s leadership and enduring influence on Catholic public life in America.

“For the past 17 years, Brian has faithfully championed CatholicVote’s mission to inspire American Catholics to live their faith in public life,” Reinhardt said. She added that the organization “joyfully celebrates” his confirmation and expressed strong confidence in his new diplomatic position.

Reinhardt also acknowledged the foundation Burch has laid for the continued work of CatholicVote, saying the group is “forever grateful for the impact he had on millions of Catholics across the nation.”

Outlook on U.S.-Vatican Diplomacy

In his comments after the Senate's vote, Burch expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in this sensitive diplomatic post. “I am profoundly grateful to President Trump and the United States Senate for this opportunity,” he said.

Burch also requested support from the American public. “I ask for the prayers of all Americans, especially my fellow Catholics, that I may serve honorably and faithfully in the noble adventure ahead,” he stated.

He reiterated his commitment to representing the current administration, adding, “As a proud Catholic American, I look forward to representing President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Secretary Rubio in this important diplomatic post.”