President-elect Donald Trump Appoints Brian Burch as US Ambassador to the Vatican

Washington, D.C., The Gulf Observer: President-elect Donald Trump has announced the appointment of Brian Burch, president of Catholic Vote and a vocal critic of Pope Francis, as the United States Ambassador to the Vatican.

In a statement shared on Truth Social on Friday, Trump expressed confidence in Burch’s abilities, highlighting his faith and leadership. “I am pleased to announce that Brian Burch will serve as the next United States Ambassador to the Holy See,” Trump wrote.

Calling Burch a “devout” Catholic, Trump commended his contributions to Catholic advocacy and electoral support, noting, “He has earned numerous awards and shown exceptional leadership, helping CatholicVote grow into one of the largest Catholic advocacy organizations in the United States.” Trump also credited Burch for mobilizing Catholic voter support during the November elections, claiming, “He represented me well during the last Election, having garnered more Catholic votes than any Presidential Candidate in history!”

Praising Burch’s dedication, Trump added, “Brian loves his Church and the United States – He will make us all proud,” and extended congratulations to Burch and his family.

For his part, Burch acknowledged the global significance of the Catholic Church and the importance of US-Vatican relations in a statement on X. “The Catholic Church is the largest and most important religious institution globally, and its relationship with the United States has vital importance,” he said. He further pledged to work with Vatican leaders and the new administration to “uphold the dignity of all people and advance the common good.”

Despite his new diplomatic role, Burch’s longstanding criticism of Pope Francis has drawn attention. He has previously voiced opposition to some of the pontiff’s decisions, including the 2023 ruling permitting blessings for individuals in same-gender unions, which Burch described as creating “confusion” within the Church. He has also speculated about the pope’s tenure, emphasizing the need for the next leader of the Catholic Church to “clarify” the uncertainties of the Francis era.

Burch’s appointment underscores the Trump administration’s focus on engaging with the Vatican during a pivotal period in global religious and diplomatic affairs.