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Klobuchar Introduces Nominee for Ambassador to the Vatican at Senate Confirmation Hearing

Calls Miguel Diaz a dedicated bridge-builder

July 22, 2009

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today introduced Miguel Diaz, the nominee to U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican, at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.  Klobuchar praised Diaz for his work building bridges between different communities to find common ground within the Catholic Church, both in America and at the international level. 

“Professor Diaz is a faithful Catholic, a gifted theologian, a respected scholar, a natural teacher and a dedicated bridge-builder,” said Klobuchar.  “He knows and loves America, and he knows and loves the Catholic Church.  I am honored to recommend Professor Miguel Diaz as America’s next diplomatic representative to the Vatican.”

Diaz is a professor of theology at St. John’s University and the College of St. Benedict in Collegeville, Minnesota.  Klobuchar called Diaz’s life a modern-day success story, noting that he grew up in modest circumstances, and rose to prominence as a result of hard work and a good education.

During the hearing, Klobuchar also praised Sam Kaplan, the nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, for his calm manner and superb judgment.

“I look forward to Miguel and Sam being confirmed and joining our state’s proud tradition of Minnesotans, from all backgrounds and political beliefs, serving as ambassadors,” said Klobuchar.

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