Callista Louise Gingrich (née Bisek;[1] born March 4, 1966) is an American diplomat, businesswoman, author, and documentary film producer who served as United States ambassador to the Holy See from 2017 to 2021.

[13] They produce historical and public policy documentary films, publish books and newsletters, and make speeches, television, and radio appearances.

[24][25] On December 22, 2017, Gingrich presented her credentials to Pope Francis and officially assumed the duties of United States Ambassador to the Holy See.

[27] Gingrich assumed the role of Ambassador after several instances of high-profile criticism of Donald Trump and his policies by Pope Francis and his allies.

[28][29] During her tenure, Gingrich focused on advancing areas of common ground between Washington and the Vatican,[30] including defending religious freedom[31] and combatting human trafficking.

[33] She also highlighted the role of women religious on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and in conflict zones[34] and helped Samaritan's Purse bring an emergency field hospital, doctors and nurses to an area of northern Italy hit hard by COVID-19.

In June 2020, Gingrich was appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Pius IX by Pope Francis, the highest distinction conferred by the Holy See on laypersons, in recognition of her contributions to the Church and society.

[3][47] Callista Bisek met Newt Gingrich in 1993 when he was House Minority Whip and she was working in the office of Congressman Steve Gunderson.

[48] Callista testified in 1999 as part of Gingrich's divorce proceedings that the couple began a six-year affair in 1993 while Newt was married to his second wife, Marianne.

[4] In 2002, Newt Gingrich asked the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta to annul his 19-year marriage to Marianne on the basis that she had been previously married.