Faith leaders decry assassination of Charlie Kirk

Mr Kirk was shot at a Utah Valley University event on September 10. Many faith leaders issued statements before the alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested 33 hours after Mr Kirk was killed.

Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, spoke against the “vicious pattern of political and social disorder” in the US in recent weeks, citing the Annunciation Catholic school shooting, the murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutsk “and now the political assassination of Charlie Kirk, known for his commitment to civil and rational discourse”. 

“What we see unfolding in our nation is a vicious pattern of hatreds rooted in the rejection of God, of the dignity of the human person and the sanctity of the family,” the bishop said.

“We are living through a perilous moment,” Bishop Burbridge continued. “Our challenge is not only one of partisan disagreement, law and policy, but in a deeper way our challenge is to uphold the central goods of American political life: of faith, of families and of a national commitment to live together in harmony as brothers and sisters.”

Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, said he was devastated to hear of Mr Kirk’s violent death.

Bishop Barron said Mr Kirk had been scheduled to appear on his show, Bishop Barron Presents, later this month. The bishop called Mr Kirk “a great debater and also one of the best advocates in our country for civil discourse, but he was, first and last, a passionate Christian”, recalling that when they first met four years ago, “we didn’t talk much about politics. We talked about theology, in which he had a deep interest, and about Christ. I know I’m joining millions of people around the world in praying that he rests now in the peace of the Lord.”

Brian Burch, the new US ambassador to the Holy See, met Pope Leo XIV on September 14 and Charlie Kirk was mentioned in the discussion.

“Pope Leo underscored that our political differences can never be resolved with violence and told Ambassador Burch that he was praying for the widow of Mr Kirk and his children,” the US embassy to the Holy See said.

The state of Utah said that Robinson was arrested on suspicion of the crimes of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice.

FULL STORY

Politicians, faith leaders condemn political violence after Charlie Kirk assassination (By Madalaine Elhabbal/CNA)

New U.S. ambassador to the Vatican presents credentials to Pope Leo XIV (CNA)

Suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting not cooperating with authorities, Utah governor says (BBC)