Minnesota’s Diaz becomes new ambassador to the Vatican

Dr. Miguel Diaz, a professor of theology at St. John’s University in Collegeville, was confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday to become ambassador to the Vatican.

His confirmation caused little debate, except among anti-abortion activists who decried Diaz’s support for Obama last fall. Diaz said he is “pro-life” and supports finding a common ground on the issue of abortion.

“I am very grateful to the Senate for this confirmation and to President Obama for the confidence he has invested in me,” he said in the statement Tuesday. “I am honored to be given the responsibility of representing the people of the United States to the Holy See.”

Fellow Minnesotan Sam Kaplan was also confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday for ambassador to Morocco.