Brian Burch
Brian Burch | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2025 | |
| 13th United States Ambassador to the Holy See | |
| Assumed office September 13, 2025 | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Joe Donnelly |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Brian Francis Burch II July 7, 1975[1] Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
| Spouse | Sara Burch |
| Children | 9 |
| Alma mater | University of Dallas |
Brian Francis Burch II (born July 7, 1975) is an American diplomat and Catholic activist serving as the 13th United States ambassador to the Holy See since 2025. He was the president of CatholicVote.org from its founding in 2008 to June 2025.
Early life and education
Burch has a background in Catholic advocacy and political engagement. He received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Dallas in 1997.[2][3]
Career
Burch is the co-founder and president of CatholicVote, a conservative political advocacy group focused on Catholic issues in the United States. He has been involved in efforts to mobilize Catholic voters and advocate for policies aligned with the organization's mission.[4][5][6]
Burch also serves as the president of the Seton Montessori School board in Villa Park, Illinois.[5]
Nomination and ambassadorship
On December 20, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced Burch as his nominee for U.S. ambassador to the Holy See.[3][7][4][5] Burch stated that, if confirmed, he would work to "promote the dignity of all people and the common good".[8] Burch's confirmation was delayed for several months due to Senator Brian Schatz's "blanket hold" on Trump appointments; Burch was confirmed to the position following a party-line vote on August 2.[9][10] After being sworn in on August 23, he was received by Edgar Peña Parra on September 3 and Pope Leo XIV on September 13; he presented a birthday cake to the Pope with his letter of credence.[7]
On 24 Dec 2025, Burch was summoned by Cardinal Parolin to press for details on America’s plans in Venezuela. Parolin had been seeking a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In his conversation with Burch, Parolin said Russia was ready to grant Maduro asylum and urged US authorities toward that solution.[11]
Personal life
Burch lives in Villa Park, Illinois, with his wife, Sara, and their nine children.[5][8]
References
- ^ https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2025/09/13/250913b.html
- ^ "US Department of State". Retrieved 8 August 2025.
- ^ a b "Trump picks CatholicVote President Burch for US ambassador to Holy See". Reuters. December 20, 2024. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
- ^ a b Bazail-Eimil, Eric (December 20, 2024). "Trump taps critic of Pope Francis for Vatican ambassadorship". Politico. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Armentrout, Mitchell (December 20, 2024). "Trump taps west suburban Catholic school leader as next Vatican ambassador". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
- ^ Feed, CV News (June 19, 2025). "CatholicVote names Kelsey Reinhardt as new president, praises Brian Burch's transformative legacy". CatholicVote org. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ^ a b "Trump's Vatican envoy courts Pope Leo with a birthday cake". Reuters. September 13, 2025. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
- ^ a b "Trump to nominate the head of Catholic advocacy group as US ambassador to the Vatican". AP News. December 20, 2024. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
- ^ CNA. "Senate Democrats block U.S. Vatican ambassador confirmation: What's next?". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ^ "Pope Francis critic Brian Burch confirmed as Vatican ambassador". Newsweek. August 2, 2025. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ^ Inside the frantic global race to find an escape route for Maduro