Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep concern over rising political violence and offered prayers for the late American activist Charlie Kirk, as well as for his wife and two children, according to a statement from the Holy See.
During a meeting on September 13 with the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Francis Burch, the Pope shared his condolences for Kirk’s family.
According to Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, the Holy Father emphasized the need to avoid divisive rhetoric and the instrumentalization of political discourse, which, he warned, fosters polarization instead of dialogue.
Kirk, a 31-year-old political activist, author, and media personality, was best known as the co-founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative advocacy group. He was shot and killed on September 10 during a public event at Utah Valley University.
His funeral is scheduled for Sunday, September 21, in Glendale, Arizona.
Details of the Pope’s response were disclosed to the press today in Rome, following media inquiries about his reaction to Kirk’s murder.
By Newsroom/Vatican
16th Sept 2025
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