Brian Burch, president of CatholicVote, faced tough questioning during his Senate confirmation hearing for the position of U.S. ambassador to the Holy See. The hearing, held on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, focused heavily on the Trump administration’s foreign aid cuts and the complex relationship between the Vatican and China.
Burch expressed his honor at being nominated by President Trump and emphasized the unique and vital nature of the U.S.-Holy See relationship, built on shared values of religious freedom, human dignity, and global peace. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the Trump administration’s significant cuts to foreign aid, stating that the Secretary of State had prioritized refocusing aid on initiatives that directly benefit American interests. He emphasized that while collaboration with the Holy See is valuable, American foreign aid is not limitless and must be strategically allocated.
Senator Shaheen pressed Burch repeatedly about the impact of these cuts on Catholic non-profit organizations operating overseas. She questioned his knowledge of foreign aid spending and challenged his example of purportedly wasteful spending on “transgender mice experiments,” a claim Burch cited from news reports but which Shaheen disputed. Burch responded that the situation regarding foreign aid is ongoing, with some organizations having their grants reauthorized while others remain pending.
Senator Ricketts raised concerns about the Vatican-China deal, expressing apprehension about the Chinese government’s role in appointing Catholic bishops and the continued persecution of religious minorities in China. Burch agreed that the Holy See should maintain pressure on the Chinese government regarding human rights abuses, and he advocated for the Holy See’s resistance to any foreign government’s interference in the selection of religious leadership.
Finally, Senator Scott inquired about Burch’s diplomatic strategy for securing the release of American hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Burch expressed confidence in the Holy See’s potential to play a significant role in fostering dialogue, emphasizing the moral urgency of ending the conflict and achieving a lasting peace.
The hearing provided a fascinating insight into the complex political and religious considerations surrounding the appointment of a U.S. ambassador to the Vatican. Burch’s responses demonstrated a nuanced understanding of both the challenges and opportunities inherent in this critical diplomatic role.
