President-elect Donald Trump has selected Brian Burch, president of the conservative Catholic advocacy group CatholicVote, to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. This announcement, made shortly before Christmas, underscores the significance of the Catholic vote in Trump's re-election victory.

The Vatican, the center of the Roman Catholic Church, holds considerable influence, with approximately 52 million Catholics residing in the United States. Burch, a father of nine and a staunch supporter of Trump, led CatholicVote's first-ever presidential endorsement, which went to Trump in the 2024 election. This endorsement proved impactful, as a significant shift in Catholic voters towards Trump played a key role in his decisive win.

Trump acknowledged Burch's contribution to his success with Catholic voters, highlighting that he secured more Catholic votes than any other presidential candidate in history. In his announcement, Trump praised Burch as a devout Catholic, a dedicated father, and a remarkable leader who helped build one of the nation's largest Catholic advocacy organizations.

Expressing his gratitude on social media, Burch stated that he was deeply honored and humbled by the nomination. He emphasized the global importance of the Catholic Church and its relationship with the United States, pledging to work with leaders within the Vatican and the new administration to advance human dignity and the common good. He expressed anticipation for the confirmation process and the chance to continue serving both his country and the Church.

CatholicVote expressed immense pride in Burch's nomination, emphasizing the importance of Catholics in the United States. The organization highlighted Burch's leadership in campaigns addressing issues such as violence against Catholic churches and government overreach targeting Catholics and pro-life advocates. They also underscored his personal commitment to family life and his dedication to fostering a culture that values every individual and supports the crucial role of families in society.

The incoming Trump administration will include several other prominent Catholics in key positions, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, Health and Human Services Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and border czar Tom Homan. Burch's nomination as Ambassador to the Holy See requires Senate confirmation.