Brian Burch sworn in as US ambassador to the Holy See

Brian Burch has been sworn in as the United States Ambassador to the Holy See following a narrow Senate confirmation earlier this month.

Burch, the co-founder of CatholicVote, was nominated by President Donald Trump on 20 December, with Trump praising his dedication to the Catholic Church and to American politics.

The Senate voted 51–45 to end debate on his nomination, and later confirmed him by a margin of 49–44 on 2 August. Such a tight outcome is unusual for an ambassadorial appointment, particularly to the Holy See, which has often commanded broad bipartisan support. The closeness of the vote highlighted the fractious political mood in Washington, where even traditionally uncontroversial diplomatic postings have become subject to sharp divisions.

The swearing-in ceremony brought together family, friends, and colleagues. Joshua Mercer, a fellow co-founder of CatholicVote, marked the moment on social media, noting: “The three co-founders of CatholicVote at the swearing-in ceremony of BrianBurchCV as Ambassador to the Holy See.”

The America First Policy Institute (AFPI), with whom Ambassador Burch has worked in the past, also offered its congratulations. In a public message it stated: “Ambassador Brian and Mrs Sara Burch as they depart to represent the United States at the Holy See. Ambassador Burch, as the co-founder of CatholicVote, has long been a defender and advocate for the fundamental values that provide for a just and flourishing society. AFPI looks forward to working with Ambassador and Mrs Burch — not just as allies, but as friends — in his new post.”

The Catholic Herald spoke to Johnny Mercer, Vice President of CatholicVote, who attended Burch’s swearing-in ceremony. Mercer said the event took place “in the Georgetown neighbourhood of Washington, D.C., near the State Department.”

For many Catholics in the United States, Burch has become a familiar figure. Through CatholicVote, he has championed the cause of pro-life advocacy and the defence of family and civic life grounded in Catholic teaching. Supporters now anticipate that these convictions will inform his service in Rome, where the ambassador is tasked with navigating the delicate balance of representing U.S. policy while engaging with the Holy See.

While ambassadors to the Vatican do not involve themselves in ecclesiastical matters, the post carries significant symbolic weight. Previous envoys have often been chosen to represent the priorities of their administrations, from human rights to interfaith dialogue. Ambassador Burch’s mission will coincide with a period of heightened Vatican engagement in global affairs, from its advocacy on climate change and migration to its role as a moral interlocutor in conflicts.

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