The assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk has led Timothy Cardinal Dolan to call it a moment of spiritual awakening for young people. Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, compared Kirk to a “modern-day St. Paul.”
“He was a missionary, he’s an evangelist, he’s a hero. He’s one I think that knew what Jesus meant when he said the truth will set you free,” Dolan said Friday on “Fox & Friends.”
He noted that while Kirk had a blunt style, he still respected opposing views.
“The difference is the way, the mode, the style that he did it always with respect and not only was that a gracious kind of virtuous thing to do, it’s effective.”
Dolan said he began learning more about Kirk’s faith work only after his death on Sept. 10. Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University. He leaves behind his wife and two children.
The cardinal believes the tragedy could inspire more young people to explore their faith, a trend he says is already growing.
“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 where our founders intended it to be from the beginning,” Dolan said.
“They’re almost saying this overwhelming sense of appreciation for Charlie and the great solidarity that we’re sensing is itself an answer to prayers.”
Kirk’s work often focused on strengthening what he viewed as the traditional American family, a mission rooted in his Christian beliefs. Dolan said many young people who drifted away from God are now noticing a gap in their lives, something Kirk helped them see.
“As St. Augustine said, ‘No, it’s not something missing. It’s someone missing.’ I think that’s what Charlie said. He wasn’t afraid to talk about the Lord. He wasn’t even afraid to say the name of Jesus,” Dolan added.
The cardinal condemned Kirk’s killing as “evil” and said people should not be afraid to call it that. He stressed that personal attacks weaken arguments.
“Issues, not individuals. Principles, not just politics,” he said.
“The weakest argument is ad hominem. When you begin to attack the person…then you know you’ve lost it… The compelling nature of a rational argument has faded, so you begin to attack the person. Charlie apparently knew that.”
Turning Point USA announced it will hold a public memorial for Kirk this Sunday at the Arizona Cardinals’ stadium, which can hold more than 70,000 people.
