Cardinal Timothy Dolan offered words of admiration for Charlie Kirk during a Fox News appearance Friday, describing the slain conservative activist as a man of faith whose work reflected missionary zeal.
Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10 during a campus appearance at Utah Valley University. Authorities have charged a 24-year-old man in connection with the attack, which prosecutors say was politically motivated.
I am so happy and relieved to see a Catholic bishop praise the life of Charlie Kirk. And it's Cardinal Dolan! Blessed be God. Thank you @CardinalDolan
pic.twitter.com/AZ2aZyahhQ— Dr Taylor Marshall™️ (@TaylorRMarshall) September 19, 2025
Speaking on “Fox & Friends,” Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, praised Kirk as someone who lived out his Christian convictions in public life. “He was a missionary, he’s an evangelist, he’s a hero,” Dolan said. “He’s one I think that knew what Jesus meant when he said the truth will set you free.” The cardinal emphasized Kirk’s courage in defending his beliefs and highlighted his role in encouraging young people to embrace faith.
Dolan’s comparison of Kirk to Saint Paul underscored the archbishop’s view of Kirk as more than a political figure—he portrayed him as a man whose activism was grounded in Christian witness. Supporters of Kirk have embraced the sentiment, seeing it as recognition of the spiritual dimension of his work.
For Dolan, Kirk’s death may serve as a reminder of the enduring power of faith to inspire and guide public life. “What they’re seeing is almost this kind of revival of a sense of value and truth and conviction, almost an elevation of the role of faith back into the public square,” he told the network.
In framing Kirk in such terms, Dolan sought to emphasize his religious faith and moral purpose, offering a tribute that went beyond politics to focus on spiritual legacy.
[Read More: Dem Congressional Candidate Confronts ICE]
