The nomination must now be approved by the Senate, which the US media is reporting as being likely.

His nomination had caused a stir in pro-life Catholic circles because of Malta's strong pro-life stance and laws prohibiting abortion. Pro-life groups in the US are incensed by Mr Kmiec’s support for President Barack Obama, who they criticise for moves to force taxpayers to fund both abortions and embryonic stem cell research - even though he is considered to be pro-life.

The US media reports that Mr Kmiec was also denied communion last year during a meeting of Catholic business leaders because of his endorsement and repeated campaigning for Obama.

Mr Kmiec was a deputy assistant attorney general in the Office of Legal Counsel during the Reagan administration, dean of Catholic University’s law school from 2001 to 2003 and a professor at the University of Notre Dame’s law school.

 

Related links

• Obama appoints new US ambassador to Malta

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