US Church leaders pray for peace after killing of Charlie Kirk

Charlie Kirk at 2025 Student Action Summit, Tampa Convention Center, Florida. Wiki Image

Source: USCCB, Vatican Media

Catholic bishops and Church leaders in the United States have responded with grief and appeals for peace following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who died yesterday, 10 September, at the age of 31, after being shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

Kirk leaves behind his wife and two young children. His assassination comes amid a series of violent episodes that have shaken communities across America.

In the wake of the tragedy, bishops and Catholic officials across the US are calling for prayer for Kirk's family, for all the recent victims of violence, and for a renewed spirit of reconciliation in American society.

Bishop Oscar A Solis of Salt Lake City said in a statement: "My heart goes out to the family of Charlie Kirk. I will pray for the repose of his soul. I am also praying for all who were affected, especially those who were present at the event on campus, the many people who admired Mr Kirk, and most particularly his family. Meanwhile, I continue to pray for all the victims of gun violence throughout the years and their families."

"It is appalling that senseless acts of violence such as this continue to occur," he said. "It seems that our society has lost the sense of the sanctity of life, and I pray that our government will undertake appropriate measures to stop these horrible crimes."

Bishop Michael F Burbidge from the Catholic Diocese of Arlington said in a statement: "As Americans, we are witnesses in just the past few weeks to a vicious pattern of political and social disorder. At Annunciation Catholic Parish in Minneapolis, the killings of Harper Moyski and Fletcher Merkel, two innocent children. In Charlotte, the murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska. And now the political assassination of Charlie Kirk, known for his commitment to civil and rational discourse. We entrust each of these victims to God, our Heavenly Father and author of every human life, and his son Jesus Christ, the reason for our supernatural hope.

"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. We can eradicate these ills only through a firm reliance on God, through a deeper devotion to Christ and the Gospel, through a sincere love for persons reflected in law, and through a renewed commitment to justice and public order.

"We are living through a perilous moment. 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 E Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, who had been in contact with Kirk and was planning to meet him next week, wrote on X: "I am devastated by the news of Charlie Kirk's death. My prayers go out from the depths of my heart to his family, especially his beloved wife and children. May Christ our Saviour welcome Charlie into his heavenly kingdom and may the Lord in his mercy be our consolation and our strength."

Fr James Martin SJ, wrote on X: "May Charlie Kirk rest in peace. Violence and murder should have no place in our world. Everyone's life is sacred."