New US ambassador to Holy See presents credentials to Pope Leo

Pope Leo XIV has received Brian Burch, the new US ambassador to the Holy See, in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace.

During the audience on Saturday morning, 13 September, Burch formally presented his letters of credence to the Pope, reports the Catholic News Agency (CNA).  

Burch, 50, was confirmed in the position by the US Senate on 2 August in a 49-44 vote. He was nominated by President Donald Trump in December 2024 and succeeds former ambassador Joe Donnelly, who served under the Joe Biden administration.

In a statement following his confirmation, Burch said he was “profoundly grateful” to the president and Senate for the opportunity to serve, and asked for the prayers of Catholics across the United States “that I may serve honourably and faithfully in the noble adventure ahead".

He also noted that "[i]n a remarkable coincidence, or what I prefer to attribute to providence, Pope Leo XIV is from Chicago, which is also my hometown".

Now a native of Phoenix, Arizona, Burch is married and the father of nine children. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dallas in 1997 and began his career in business before moving into Catholic nonprofit leadership.

From 2005 until his confirmation this year, he was president of CatholicVote Civic Action and the CatholicVote Education Fund, organisations dedicated to promoting Catholic engagement in public life, CNA reports.

It adds that during his time with CatholicVote, Burch became a nationally recognised figure in Catholic-related political advocacy, which included his encouraging US Catholics to participate in the democratic process, especially defending religious liberty and the sanctity of life.

Burch has emphasised the enduring importance of the US-Holy See relationship, describing it as “one of the most unique in the world”. He has also highlighted the Catholic Church’s “global reach and moral witness” as a vital part of the US diplomatic mission to promote peace, human dignity and prosperity around the world, CNA reports.

Photo: Brian Burch, US ambassador to the Holy See, presents his credentials to Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, 13 September 2025. (Credit: Vatican Media.)