Donnelly has recently been a partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld law firm in Washington, D.C. He has served as chairman of the board at the New York-based Soufan Center, a non-profit think tank whose work on global security and foreign policy focuses on counter-terrorism, violent extremism, and armed conflict.
While in Congress, Donnelly was known as a pro-labor, pro-life moderate Democrat, who changed his position on marriage. In 2013, he announced his support for redefining marriage, saying it was “the right thing to do,” Politico reported.
Pro-life groups were split on Donnelly in his failed 2018 re-election campaign. Democrats for Life of America supported his re-election, citing his support for some pro-life policies over the years, including restrictions on abortions after 20 weeks and banning taxpayer-funded abortion.
Donnelly is joined in Rome by his wife, Jill, and said that he looked forward to having his two children and his new grandchild visit frequently.
“The United States and the Holy See have a very special relationship,” Donnelly said.
“Together, we work hard to be a force for good in the world, defending human rights and religious freedom, combating trafficking in persons, caring for the environment, and advancing peace, security, and the rights of children, seniors, women, and all of our brothers and sisters everywhere.”
Courtney Mares is a Rome Correspondent for Catholic News Agency. A graduate of Harvard University, she has reported from news bureaus on three continents and was awarded the Gardner Fellowship for her work with North Korean refugees.