The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV is praying for Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, who was assassinated during the launch of his “American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the Pope expressed his prayers for Kirk’s widow Erika and their two young children during Saturday’s meeting with new U.S. Ambassador Brian Burch. The audience at the Apostolic Palace had been scheduled well in advance but inevitably turned to the tragedy.
Bruni said the Pope “expressed concern about political violence and spoke of the need to avoid rhetoric and exploitation that foster polarization rather than dialogue.” Pope Leo, the first American pontiff, stressed that political disagreements must never be resolved through violence.
According to the U.S. Embassy, the Pope and Ambassador Burch also discussed the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, religious freedom, the Vatican’s ties with China, and artificial intelligence. Ambassador Burch described the meeting as “extraordinarily friendly, like talking to a friend back home in Chicago.”
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, had earlier reiterated the Church’s opposition to “all types of violence,” warning that attacks on those with differing beliefs weaken society’s moral fabric.
Kirk, known for championing free speech and conservative values, is survived by his wife Erika and their two children. His funeral will be held September 21 in Glendale, Arizona.
