Pope Leo XIV conveyed to the new U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Burch, that he is keeping conservative activist Charlie Kirk in his prayers, along with Kirk’s wife and children, in light of Kirk’s recent tragic death in Utah, according to a statement released by the Vatican on Tuesday.
Leo also highlighted his concerns about the current state of political violence and emphasized the necessity “to avoid rhetoric and actions that lead to polarization, favoring dialogue instead,” as stated by Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, reported by Vatican News.
This message from the pope was delivered on Saturday during his audience with the ambassador, marking their inaugural meeting where Burch presented his credentials.
Pope Leo XIV told the new U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Burch, that he is praying for conservative activist Charlie Kirk. (Getty Images)
Last month, the pontiff also extended his condolences via a telegram after a violent incident at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minnesota, which resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 18 others, many of whom were schoolchildren.
However, the pope did not send a telegram about Kirk’s assassination.
Charlie Kirk speaks before he is shot during Turning Point’s visit to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. (AP)
Burch hosted a welcome diplomatic reception on Monday, saying it was a “remarkable time to be in Rome,” with the first American pope.
During his discourse about the papal audience, the ambassador mentioned to the gathering of ambassadors, cardinals, and guests that the pontiff “reminded me he is not an American pope. He is a pope of America for the world.”
