Callista Gingrich, wife of Newt Gingrich, is poised to be nominated as the next ambassador to the Vatican City. According to a white house official, she has already been chosen, but the nomination is still pending approval from the Office of Government Ethics. The OGE, however, says that it cleared Gingrich April 7th and that they are only waiting on a formal nomination from the White House.
Gingrich is a devout Catholic, and said in a 2011 interview with Christian Broadcasting Network, “I start each day with a prayer, and pray throughout the day, because I am grateful for the many blessings that God has bestowed upon us.” She is the third wife of the former Speaker of the House, and is credited with bringing him to Catholicism. Gingrich’s husband closely supported President Trump’s campaign, but expressed no interest in being in the cabinet, saying he preferred a “senior planning position.” He said he would be very happy for his wife, should she be offered the position of ambassador.
Donald Trump will meet with Pope Francis in Rome on May 24. The White House is hoping to have Callista Gingrich’s nomination confirmed by then, possibly as soon as by the end of this week.