Pope Leo XIV Says He Is Praying for Charlie Kirk and Family After Utah Killing
Pontiff told U.S. ambassador he is concerned about political violence and urged restraint in rhetoric during credential ceremony
Pope Leo XIV told the new U.S. ambassador to the Holy See that he is praying for conservative activist Charlie Kirk and his family following Kirk’s fatal shooting in Utah, the Vatican said Tuesday.
The pope made the remarks on Saturday when he received Ambassador Brian Burch to accept his credentials, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a written statement quoted by Vatican News. Bruni said Leo also voiced concern about political violence and urged a need “to refrain from rhetoric and exploitation that lead to polarization rather than dialogue.”
Kirk, 31, a co-founder of the conservative group Turning Point USA, was shot and critically wounded on Sept. 10 during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem and later died at a hospital, authorities have said. The alleged gunman, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was located after a two-day manhunt and was persuaded by family members to surrender. Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder in the case.
Bruni’s statement noted that the audience Saturday marked the first meeting between the pope and Ambassador Burch. The ambassador hosted a diplomatic reception Monday in Rome, where he told assembled ambassadors, cardinals and guests that the pontiff had said he was “not an American pope. He is a pope of America for the world,” remarks Burch recounted at the event.
The Vatican said Leo had earlier sent a telegram offering condolences after a July shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minnesota that killed two children and wounded 18 others, including several students. The Vatican statement noted that no similar telegram had been issued in connection with Kirk’s assassination.
Vatican officials emphasized the pontiff’s repeated appeals for dialogue and for leaders and media to avoid incendiary rhetoric that could inflame political tensions. The pope has addressed violence in diverse contexts during his papacy and has sometimes sent messages or condolences after high-profile attacks.
U.S. and Utah law enforcement continue to investigate the circumstances of the shooting and the events leading up to Kirk’s death. Prosecutors have filed aggravated murder charges against Robinson, who is expected to face arraignment and pretrial proceedings in the coming weeks.
The pope’s private audience with the ambassador and his comments underscore the Vatican’s concern about political violence as a global issue and reflect the broader diplomatic role the Holy See plays in urging restraint and promoting reconciliation.
The Associated Press contributed reporting to this article.