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Oct 8, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Biden nominates former Sen. Joe Donnelly as ambassador to the Vatican

Kierra Frazier
Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-IN) arrives to speak on November 6, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Joe Donnelly. Photo: Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images

President Biden has nominated former Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly to serve as ambassador to the Vatican, the White House announced Friday.

Why it matters: Donnelly, a former Indiana senator, served as co-chair of Catholics for Biden during the 2020 election and defended Biden's faith in an Indianapolis Star op-ed.

The big picture: Donnelly, 66, was nominated to serve as the ambassador to the Holy See.

  • The role is based in Rome and is currently filled by Chargé d'Affaires Patrick Connell.
  • Donnelly is a devout Irish Catholic and graduated from the University of Notre Dame.
  • He served as a senator from Indiana from 2013 to 2019 and was a House Representative from 2007 to 2013.

What's next: The nomination must be confirmed by the Senate.

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