On September 13, 2025, Pope Leo XIV received in audience Brian Burch, who presented his letters of credence as the new United States ambassador to the Holy See. Sources close to the Vatican cited by Diane Montagna indicated that the meeting «was not organized in response to that tragedy», as the official reception had been scheduled in advance for Monday, September 15. However, it is taken for granted that the pontiff and the American diplomat addressed the issue during their private meeting.
Brian Burch, a conservative Catholic ambassador
Burch, father of nine children and former president of the Catholic organization CatholicVote, had been nominated by Donald Trump in December 2024 to hold the position. His confirmation was delayed due to a “general blockade” on nominees of the then president-elect, but it was finally approved by the Senate on August 23, by a narrow margin of 49 votes to 45.
On September 1, the ambassador presented a copy of his letters of credence to Msgr. Edgar Peña Parra, substitute of the Secretariat of State, fulfilling the preliminary step required of newly arrived diplomats in Rome. By custom, within two to eight weeks after arrival, the Pope receives the new ambassador in a private audience of about 20 minutes.
In May, after the election of Leo XIV, Burch wrote on the social network X: «I send my prayers and best wishes to His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV. As a fellow Chicagoan and Cubs fan, we have much in common. A great opportunity opens to strengthen the historic relationship between the United States and the Holy See».
Upon being officially appointed ambassador, he assured that he was «committed to working with leaders within the Vatican and the new Administration to promote the dignity of all people and the common good».
Assassination of Charlie Kirk and the Vatican’s reaction
The atmosphere of the audience was inevitably conditioned by the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, 31 years old, which occurred on September 10 during the start of his “American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University. Kirk was known for his staunch defense of free speech on university campuses and his promotion of Christian and conservative values. He leaves behind a wife and two young children, aged three and one.
To date, the Holy See has not issued an official statement on the tragedy. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, limited himself to declaring on September 11 to a group of journalists: «We are against all kinds of violence», and warned that every aggression against those who think differently «undermines the fabric of national and international communities».
Parolin also alerted that the lack of tolerance and respect, replaced by violence, constitutes «a serious threat to the stability of the entire society».
Neither the Holy See nor the U.S. Embassy to the Vatican have revealed the contents discussed in the meeting between Pope Leo XIV and Brian Burch.