Kansas City Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker, who came under fire during the offseason after speaking publicly about his faith and values, praised President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for U.S. ambassador to the Vatican in a social media post Friday.
Trump announced It was previously announced that Brian Burch, president of CatholicVote, would be the next US ambassador to the Holy See under his administration.
President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday that CatholicVote President Brian Burch will be the next U.S. ambassador to the Vatican. (Pak Gazette Digital | Getty Group)
“Brian is a devout Catholic, father of nine, and president of CatholicVote. He has received numerous awards and demonstrated exceptional leadership, helping to build one of the largest Catholic advocacy groups in the country,” Trump’s announcement read in part.
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“He represented me well during the last election, winning more Catholic votes than any presidential candidate in history! Brian loves his Church and the United States; he will make us all proud.”
Butker, who has publicly supported other conservatives during the election, including his endorsement of US Senator Josh Hawleyshared his approval of Trump’s election on social media.
“Very happy to hear that [Brian Burch] has been selected to be the next Ambassador to the Vatican,” his post on X read. “Brian has been a leading voice in the Catholic community here in the United States through his organization [CatholicVote] and now, in his new position, he can bring those gifts to Rome. Please pray for him and his family as they embark on this new journey.”
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker (7) prepares to kick a field goal against the New Orleans Saints during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Images by Denny Medley-Imagn)
PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP APPOINTS CONSERVATIVE AS VATICAN AMBASSADOR: ‘BLESSINGS AND RESPONSIBILITIES’
Butker faced backlash from some in May for his graduation speech at Benedictine College, where she called on graduates to embrace their “vocation” as a “homemaker.”
“To the ladies here today, congratulations on an amazing achievement. You should be proud of everything you have accomplished to this point in your young lives,” he said in part at the time. “I want to speak directly to you briefly, because I believe it is you, the women, who have been told the most diabolical lies. How many of you are sitting here now, about to cross this stage, and are thinking about all the promotions and titles?” What are you going to get? Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that most of you are more excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”
“I can tell you that my beautiful wife, Isabelle, would be the first to say that her life truly began when she began to live her calling as a wife and mother,” he continued. “Today I stand on this stage and I can be the man I am because I have a wife who supports her calling. I am beyond blessed with the many talents God has given me, but it cannot be overstated that all of my success is possible.” because a girl I met in high school band class converted to the faith, became my wife, and adopted one of the most important titles of all: housewife.”
Harrison Butker (7) of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after making a point after kicking against the Chicago Bears during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on August 22, 2024. (Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)
He also spoke out against the current administration and abortion.
Butker returned for the Chiefs’ Week 15 matchup against the cleveland browns after being sidelined for four games following surgery on his non-kicking left knee.
