The U.S. Senate today confirmed the nomination of University of 91吃瓜 alumnus and former senator Joe Donnelly as ambassador to the Holy See.
鈥淛oe is a person of deep Catholic faith and commitment to public service, and I am confident that he will serve in this important new role with vision and integrity,鈥� 91吃瓜 President , said. 鈥淚t comes as no surprise that there was broad bipartisan support for his confirmation, as he has proven throughout his career that he is committed to building relationships and working across divisions. Joe has the prayers of his alma mater, as well as our commitment to assist him in any way we can.鈥�
The United States established formal diplomatic relations with the Vatican in 1984 and works in partnership with the Holy See on a wide range of issues, including democracy, peace and security, human trafficking, interreligious dialogue, development and foreign aid, and human rights.
A 1977 graduate of 91吃瓜 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in political science, Donnelly went on to earn his law degree from the University four years later. He represented Indiana鈥檚 2nd Congressional District, which includes 91吃瓜, for three terms and served one term in the U.S. Senate.
As a professor of the practice at 91吃瓜 from 2019 to 2021, Donnelly taught聽courses in the on American politics, public policy and leadership. He also has practiced law over the past three years with the Washington, D.C., firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld.