Minnesota professor named ambassador to Vatican
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President Obama has nominated a central Minnesota theology professor as the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican.
The White House announced the nomination of theologian Miguel Diaz Wednesday. If confirmed, Diaz would be the first Latino to serve as ambassador to the Vatican.
Diaz is a professor at the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University in central Minnesota.
MaryAnn Baenninger, president of the College of St. Benedict, says Diaz is a well-respected scholar and theologian who cares deeply about inclusiveness among Catholics, regardless of their background or ethnicity.
"So to have a perspective of real Catholics today, and their diversity, I think is extremely important for the envoy to the Holy See," said Baenninger.
Diaz also was an adviser to Obama's presidential campaign. In a statement, Diaz said if confirmed by the Senate, he wants to be a bridge between the U.S. and the Holy See.
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