Ambassador Burch meets the Holy Father

The Pope pledges prayers for Charlie Kirk's widow, children -

Ambassador Brian Burch, co-founder of CatholicVote and its former president, presented his diplomatic credentials to Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace this morning in Rome, officially beginning his service as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See.  It was an exchange of faith, family, and friendship between America and the Holy See–and two Chicagoans. As is customary, Ambassador Burch presented the Holy Father with gifts for the occasion. They were deeply personal: A favorite cake from Chicago's South Side — a sweet reminder of the city both men call home in anticipation of the Pope's birthday on Sunday, September 14.  A hand-painted drawing of the Augustinian formation center in Chicago — created by one of Burch's daughters, a touching work of love from the new ambassador's family inspired by Pope Leo XIV's own spiritual formation in the United States. A relic of Blessed Stanley Rother — the martyred missionary from Oklahoma whose time in Latin America was contemporaneous with that of Father Robert Prevost.  Following the presentation, Pope Leo XIV and Ambassador Burch spoke privately for about 20 minutes and a post from Ambassador Burch on X confirmed that the Pope is praying for Charlie Kirk's widow and children, marking a special closeness with the nation and the grieving family.  Today's meeting reaffirms the special relationship between the Holy See and the United States. They share a common mission: to defend the dignity of every human person, to safeguard religious freedom, and to seek peace rooted in truth.  Ambassador Burch knows this better than most. A father of nine and a man formed by his Catholic faith, he has long integrated his love for America with a bold witness to human dignity, religious freedom, and truth. For his part, the Holy Father gave Ambassador Burch a beautiful book about the Apostolic Palace, which will be displayed for visitors at Villa Richardson, the Ambassador's residence.  Please join CatholicVote in praying for the collaboration between the Ambassador and the Pope in the years ahead.    Go forward bravely, Kelsey Reinhardt President, CatholicVote   P.S. – Ambassador Burch asked me to thank you for your continued prayers and support.   Paid for by CatholicVote Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here. CATHOLICVOTE  |  PO Box 3310  |  Carmel, IN 46082  |  (317) 669-6127