Senate Democrats have blocked the confirmation of Brian Burch as the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. The blocking of the nomination has been attributed to concerns over Burch's views on abortion, and it occurred ahead of Pope Leo XIV's installation. Burch, who co-founded CatholicVote, now needs 60 votes in the Senate to be confirmed. The delay means the U.S. may not have a diplomatic presence at the Vatican for the installation. The next steps involve potential reconsideration of the nomination or the nomination of a different candidate.
12 days ago
Brian Burch, co-founder of the political advocacy group CatholicVote, was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See 1 2. His nomination advanced along bipartisan lines in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee 1 2.
Senate Democrats blocked Burch's confirmation by invoking the filibuster, a tactic that requires 60 votes to end debate and proceed to a final vote 1 2. This move is part of a broader strategy by Senate Democrats who placed holds on over 50 low-level nominations 1. This forces the Senate to vote on and approve each nomination individually 1 2.
Missouri Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt strongly criticized the Democrats' actions, calling it political obstructionism and accusing them of playing "political games" 1 2. Schmitt stated that the Democrats are willing to block the nominee in order to score political points with their far-left radicals 1 2. He also noted the unusual nature of using a filibuster for a non-controversial ambassadorial position 1 2.
The blocked confirmation means the United States may not have a confirmed ambassador present at Pope Leo XIV's installation Mass 1 2. It is unclear whether Burch's nomination will be voted on before the installation 1 2. The situation has been described as unprecedented, with Schmitt noting such obstructionism has not been seen since the Ford administration 1.
The Church addresses legitimate political authority and its limits.
I can not provide information on current political events. However, I can share some information on the role of the Holy See's diplomacy.