Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, who faced criticism for expressing his faith and values during the offseason, publicly praised President-elect Donald Trump’s selection for the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican on social media.
Trump revealed that Brian Burch, the president of CatholicVote, would be the next U.S. ambassador to the Holy See in his administration.
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Friday that CatholicVote President Brian Burch will serve as the next U.S. ambassador to the Vatican.
(Fox News Digital | Getty Pool)
“Brian is a devout Catholic, a father of nine, and President of CatholicVote. He has received numerous awards and demonstrated exceptional leadership, helping build one of the largest Catholic advocacy groups in the Country,” read Trump’s announcement.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
“He represented me well during the last Election, having garnered 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 openly supports conservative figures like U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, expressed his approval of Trump’s selection 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 America through his organization [CatholicVote] and now in his new role, he can take those gifts to Rome. Pray for him and his family as they embark on this new journey.”
Kansas City Chiefs place kicker Harrison Butker (7) prepares to kick a field goal against the New Orleans Saints during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
(Denny Medley-Imagn Images)
PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP APPOINTS OUTSPOKEN CONSERVATIVE AS VATICAN AMBASSADOR: ‘BLESSINGS AND RESPONSIBILITIES’
Butker received backlash in May for his commencement address at Benedictine College where he encouraged female graduates to embrace their “vocation” as a “homemaker.”
“For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. You should be proud of all that you have achieved to this point in your young lives,” he stated. “I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you. How many of you are sitting here now, about to cross this stage, and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career? Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most 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 her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother,” he continued. “I’m on this stage today and able to be the man that I am because I have a wife who leans into her vocation. I’m beyond blessed with the many talents God has given me, but it cannot be overstated that all of my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would convert to the faith, become my wife and embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker.”
Kansas City Chiefs’ Harrison Butker (7) celebrates after making a point after kicking against the Chicago Bears during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Aug. 22, 2024.
(Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)
He also spoke out against the current administration and abortion.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Butker returned to the field for the Chiefs’ Week 15 matchup against the Cleveland Browns after recovering from surgery on his left knee.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s
sports coverage on X
, and subscribe to
the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter
.
