I just got off the phone with Brian.
He finished his testimony this morning at his Senate confirmation hearing for the role of Ambassador to the Holy See.
Brian asked me to thank everyone for the prayers he has received from Catholics all across the country.
“I am beyond words. I am so grateful for everyone who is praying for me and my family.”
Today’s hearing was a moment of immense pride for American Catholics to see a faithful member of our Church, a devoted husband and father of nine, testify to the shared goals of our great nation and our Church: a deep and authentic human flourishing.
During the hearing, Brian noted a few of the common interests the Holy See shares with the United States – resolving the many wars around the world, protecting human life, ending human trafficking, giving relief to persecuted Christians around the globe, and promoting religious freedom for all.
NOTE: The Holy See is unlike any other diplomatic relationship the United States has – precisely because of the Church’s moral voice (as Brian said, it “transcends traditional diplomacy.”)
I think Senator Pete Ricketts expressed this best when he introduced Brian to the Committee. He reminded us all that it was the American ambassador to the Holy See who helped forge a deep connection between President Reagan and Pope John Paul II – a relationship that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Brian has the opportunity to step into this role as the world seems to be shifting once again – and both the Holy See and the United States are again engaged in a great struggle with the forces of Marxism and atheism (China came up several times during the hearing).
I know Brian agrees: The world needs the Church more than ever.
America is uniquely positioned to help the Church bring the Catholic values of faith, family, and authentic freedom wherever she most needs it.
In other words, the mission of CatholicVote just went global… and Brian is the tip of the spear.
Brian told the committee that – if confirmed – his role will be to represent the United States and deepen this partnership to build a more just and peaceful world.
It’s a lofty goal. But I can’t think of any American more suited to the task than Brian.
There’s a lot of work to be done. So let’s pray for his swift confirmation, but more importantly continue to pray for Brian and his family.
P.S. So what’s next? Stay tuned for the Foreign Relations Committee to advance Brian’s nomination to a full Senate vote. The whole process could take weeks or even months before he’s officially confirmed… so keep the prayers coming!