Brian Burch | |
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![]() Official portrait, 2025 | |
United States Ambassador to the Holy See | |
Assumed office September 13, 2025 | |
President | Donald Trump |
Preceded by | Joe Donnelly |
Personal details | |
Born | [1] Phoenix,Arizona,U.S. | July 7,1975
Spouse | Sara Burch |
Children | 9 |
Alma mater | University of Dallas |
Brian Francis Burch II (born July 7,1975) is an American Catholic activist who served as the president of CatholicVote.org from its founding in 2008 to June 2025. [2] In December 2024,President-elect Donald Trump named Burch as his nominee for United States ambassador to the Holy See. [3] He was sworn into the position on August 23,2025,and presented his diplomatic credentials to Pope Leo XIV on September 13,2025. [4]
Burch has a background in Catholic advocacy and political engagement. He received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Dallas in 1997. [5] [3]
Burch is the co-founder and president of CatholicVote,a conservative political advocacy group focused on Catholic issues in the United States. He has been involved in efforts to mobilize Catholic voters and advocate for policies aligned with the organization's mission. [6] [7]
Burch also serves as the president of the Seton Montessori School board in Villa Park,Illinois. [7]
On December 20,2024,President-elect Donald Trump announced Burch as his nominee for U.S. ambassador to the Holy See. [3] [6] [7] Burch stated that,if confirmed,he would work to "promote the dignity of all people and the common good." [8] Burch's confirmation was delayed for several months due to Senator Brian Schatz's "blanket hold" on Trump appointments;Burch was confirmed to the position following a party-line vote on August 2. [9] [10] After being sworn in on August 23,he was received by Edgar Peña Parra on September 3 and Pope Leo XIV on September 13;he presented a birthday cake to the Pope with his letter of credence. [4]
Burch lives in Villa Park,Illinois,with his wife,Sara,and their nine children. [7] [8]