Brian Burch was confirmed as the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See by the Senate in a party-line vote. Burch, co-founder of Catholic Vote, has been critical of Pope Leo XIV, who is seen as more moderate than his predecessor. Burch defended the Trump administration's cuts to foreign aid during his confirmation hearings, which contrasts with the Vatican's criticism. The choice of Burch signals the Trump White House's involvement in the ongoing cultural war within American Catholicism.
4 months ago
The U.S. Senate confirmed Brian Burch, co-founder of the far-right advocacy group Catholic Vote, as President Trump's U.S. ambassador to the Holy See on August 2, 2025 1. This selection is seen as unusual given Burch's past criticisms of Pope Francis and his likely ideological clashes with the current pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, particularly on issues such as immigration, nationalism, and foreign aid 1. Burch defended the Trump administration's foreign aid cuts during his confirmation hearing, a stance that conflicts with the Vatican's humanitarian initiatives 1.
The appointment of Brian Burch is interpreted as a deliberate move by the Trump administration to intervene in the ongoing "culture war" within American Catholicism 1. This conflict divides Catholics who prioritize economic and social justice from those who focus on doctrine related to gender and sexual morality 1. By choosing Burch, the administration signals its support for the socially conservative faction, ensuring this internal Catholic struggle remains prominent 1.
The roots of this division trace back to the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s 1. On one side, socially conservative Catholics, influenced by figures like Paul Weyrich, have historically opposed legal abortion and marriage equality, forming alliances with evangelical Christians 1. On the other, progressive Catholics, exemplified by Sr. Helen Prejean and the Rev. James Martin, advocate for issues such as opposing the death penalty, nuclear proliferation, and championing immigrant and LGBTQ+ rights 1. While some issues, like the church's opposition to the death penalty, have seen conservative figures like Pope John Paul II align with progressive stances, a "new Catholic right" has emerged, embracing the Old Latin Mass, spiritual penalties for liberal politicians, and Christian nationalism 1.
Burch's appointment is part of a larger pattern of the Trump administration's perceived hostility towards progressive and moderate religious communities in the U.S. 1. The administration's Religious Liberty Commission notably lacks progressive or moderate faith leaders, and there have been instances of friction, such as the detention of an Episcopal priest's daughter by immigration agents and unfounded accusations against mainline denominations 1. This move is seen as actively deepening divisions within American religion by marginalizing voices that do not align with the administration's conservative agenda 1.
What is the Church's role in political discourse?
The Catholic Church plays a significant role in political discourse by contributing to the moral character of society and promoting human dignity and the common good . While the Church is not identified with any political community or system, it offers fundamental values and convictions that can inform political activity .
The Church's involvement in political discourse stems from several key aspects:
The Church's mission to evangelize includes the integral promotion of every human being . It emphasizes that respect for the dignity of every person is at the core of Catholic moral and social teaching . Political activity is seen as having an essential ethical dimension because it is fundamentally a service to humanity . The Church supports programs that best respond to the dignity of each person and the common good .
The Church, as the keeper of the message of salvation, reminds people, especially those in government, of the fundamental ethical duties inherent in promoting the good of all . It sheds the light of the Gospel on all areas of individual and societal life, safeguarding the transcendent value of the person . This includes addressing "structures of sin" which are rooted in personal sin and distort the broader ordering of society . The Church's wisdom points to the presence of original sin in social conditions and societal structures .
The Church respects the legitimate autonomy of the political community and does not identify itself with any particular political theory or solution . It is not bound by ties to any political system and does not seek to impose a narrow confessional morality . Instead, it offers values demonstrable through human reason, which are common to all people of good will .
The Church encourages its lay members to take an active part in the management and orientation of temporal affairs according to evangelical principles . Through democratic means and the involvement of politically active lay Christians, the Church works for just laws, particularly in areas like bioethics . This is seen as part of the Church's affirmation of a true and lasting humanism .
The Church engages in dialogue with the State and society, supporting programs that align with human dignity and the common good . It maintains stable relations with civil authorities to advance peace and justice . The Church cannot remain silent regarding ethical and social values it has received in trust, especially in diplomatic relations, as these values coincide with the demands of human dignity, rights, and liberties essential for a healthy society .
In summary, the Church's role in political discourse is to provide moral and ethical guidance based on its teachings on human dignity and the common good, encourage active participation of the faithful in civil life, and advocate for just laws, all while respecting the autonomy of political institutions and refraining from partisan alignment .