Oct 8, 2021 - Politics & Policy
Biden nominates former Sen. Joe Donnelly as ambassador to the Vatican
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.