LOMBARD, Ill. (WLS) — It’s a rare role in the world of diplomacy that requires deft navigation of religious deference and geopolitical differences.
Lombard resident Brian Burch is presenting his qualifications to represent President Donald Trump’s interests at the Vatican, a significant task given his previous public criticisms of the Pope.
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Expressing gratitude for his nomination by President Trump to be the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, Burch conveyed his feelings of honor and humility during a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing.
He would become the U.S. government voice for more than 50 million American Catholics to the church’s governing body and Catholic sovereign state.
Having served as the president of CatholicVote for a quarter of a century, Burch played a pivotal role in the organization’s endorsement of Trump in 2024. This marked a significant shift from his stance in 2016 when he was a signatory to a letter declaring Donald Trump unfit for the presidency.
Sitting in Tuesday’s senate confirmation hearing, the father of nine from Lombard, defended the President’s policies and diplomacy.
“So, how do you explain then the U.S. position, because it seems to me to be totally opposed to what the Holy See has advocated for?” asked Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, (D) New Hampshire.
“I think the partnership with the Holy See can be very good one, but those partners have to understand that our foreign aid is not endless, that we can’t fund every last program,” said Burch.
“If you were to name three places where that U.S. foreign assistance has not been in keeping with foreign policy, where would you name?” asked Shaheen.
“I’ve read some of the stories where some of our money has been spent, particularly on transgender mice experiments,” said Burch.
“Let me just correct you, that is not the case,” said Shaheen.
Burch, who has previously joined conservative Catholics in criticizing Pope Francis, said it is the Vatican that can heal diplomatic wounds.
“What do you think you can do as ambassador to encourage more engagement on hostages in Gaza by Vatican leadership,” asked Sen. Rick Scott, (R) Florida.
“This issue is of immense importance to Holy Father Pope Francis even in his recent illness,” said Burch.
The I-Team reached out to Burch’s company, CatholicVote, on his nomination and hearing, but we did not hear back.
Burch’s committee hearing was in preparation for a full Senate vote to confirm his nomination.
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