Overview
- The Senate confirmed Burch in a 49–44 party-line vote on August 2, overcoming a monthslong hold by Sen. Brian Schatz on State Department nominees.
- A co-founder of CatholicVote, Burch has publicly criticized Pope Francis, reflecting ideological divides within the American Catholic community.
- Nominated by President Trump on December 20, Burch is set to succeed former Sen. Joe Donnelly, who served as ambassador from April 2022 until July 2024.
- His appointment underscores CatholicVote’s influence in national politics and the growing use of Senate holds and party-line votes in diplomatic confirmations.
- Administration officials are preparing for Burch to leverage his Vatican post to advance U.S. priorities on religious freedom, global peace and humanitarian aid.