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Trump Nominates A Familiar Name To Be The Vatican Ambassador

Callista Gingrich is the wife of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Posted at 9:00 PM, May 19, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-19 21:00:45-04

Callista Gingrich is President Donald Trump's pick to be the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See.

She's a self-described "devoted Catholic" and the wife of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

Together they own Gingrich Productions, which in part produces documentary films. It's even produced a film on Pope John Paul II's historic trip to Poland in 1979. Callista Gingrich serves as the company's president.

News about Gingrich being in the running for the Vatican ambassador job was first reported in January.

Diplomatic relations between the U.S. and the government of the Catholic Church were most recently established in 1984. The two cooperate on international issues like conflict prevention, human rights and an end to poverty.

Gingrich's nomination comes just before Trump is scheduled to meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican on May 24. 

The Senate must confirm her nomination.