Chiefs' Harrison Butker praises Trump pick for Vatican ambassador: 'A leading voice in the Catholic community'

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Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, who drew criticism during the offseason after speaking publicly about his faith and values, praised President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican in a post on social media on Friday. 

Trump announced earlier that Brian Burch, the president of CatholicVote, would serve as the next U.S. ambassador to the Holy See under 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," Trump’s announcement read in part. 

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"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 has publicly supported other conservatives during the election, including his endorsement of U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, shared his approval of Trump’s pick 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