Catholic Theologian Diaz Named U.S. Ambassaodor to the Holy See

President Barack Obama has named a 45-year-old theology professor as the new U.S. ambassador to the Vatican.

The post will be filled by Miguel H. Diaz, a professor at St. John's University and the College of St. Benedict, partnered schools that are both located in Minnesota.

"If confirmed by the U.S. Senate," said Diaz in a statement, "I will continue the work of my predecssors and build upon 25 years of formal diplomatic relations with the Holy See. I wish to be a bridge between our nation and the Holy See."

Media sources describe the Cuban-born Diaz as a "pro-life" Democrat and Roman Catholic who ardently supported Obama's run for the White House. The Minneapolis "Star Tribune" reported that Vatican officials had signed off in advance on the selection of Diaz.

Although Diaz opposes legal abortion, he was one of 26 prominent Catholics to sign a letter supporting Kathleen Sebelius's appointment to head the Department of Health and Human Services. Sebelius, a pro-choice Catholic, came under fire from Religious Right groups, which tried unsuccessfully to derail her nomination.

Since President Ronald Reagan establish full diplomatic relations with the Vatican in 1984, every American ambassador to the Holy See has been a "pro-life" Catholic. Some critics say the post is marred by a de facto "religious test" for public office.

There had been reports that Obama had difficulty filling the slot. The "Washington Times" reported in April that church officials rejected at least three candidates put forth by Obama to be U.S ambassador. The prospects were apparently black-balled because they hold pro-choice views on abortion.

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Copied from "Church and State", July/August 2009, print, Page 19 (163)
Published by "Americans United for Separation of Church and State", 518 C Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002.