Pope Leo XIV tells U.S. ambassador he is praying for slain activist Charlie Kirk and his family
Vatican spokesman says the pope expressed concern about political violence and urged restraint in rhetoric during credential ceremony with new U.S. ambassador
ROME — Pope Leo XIV told the new U.S. ambassador to the Holy See that he is praying for Charlie Kirk and his family and voiced concern about political violence, the Vatican spokesman said.
The pope made the remarks Saturday when he received Ambassador Brian Burch to accept his credentials, a protocol visit that marked their first meeting, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said, speaking to Vatican News. Bruni quoted the pope as urging people to "refrain from rhetoric and exploitation that lead to polarization rather than dialogue."
The comments came after Kirk, a conservative activist, was shot and killed on Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, outside Salt Lake City. A 22-year-old, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with aggravated murder in the case.
Bruni noted that Pope Leo had sent a telegram of condolence Aug. 27 after a separate shooting at a Catholic church in Minneapolis that left two children dead, but did not send a telegram specifically about Kirk's killing.
Burch, who heads the Chicago-based group CatholicVote, hosted a diplomatic reception Monday after presenting his credentials. At that event he told assembled ambassadors, cardinals and guests that it was a "remarkable time to be in Rome," adding that the pope had reminded him "he is not an American pope. He is a pope of America for the world." CatholicVote endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential election and helped lead efforts to increase Catholic support for the Republican candidate.
The exchange underscores Vatican concern about rising political tensions and violence in the United States. By offering prayers for Kirk and his family and warning against incendiary rhetoric, the pope reiterated the Holy See's frequent appeals for dialogue and restraint amid politically charged incidents.
The credential ceremony was a formal diplomatic step for Burch's posting. Vatican officials released Bruni's account through Vatican News, and the matter was reported by international news outlets as part of routine coverage of papal audiences and diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the United States.