without prejudice
OPINION
Dolan compares Turning Point USA co-founder to St. Paul, condemns killing as 'evil'
Cardinal Dolan reflects on life and legacy of Charlie Kirk
"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,"
He noted that while Kirk had a blunt style, he 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, but it’s also effective."
The cardinal believes the tragedy could inspire a renewed interest in faith among young people, a trend he says has already been 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.
Kirk’s work often centered on strengthening what he viewed as the traditional American family, a mission rooted in his Christian beliefs. Dolan argued that many young people who drifted from God are now recognizing a void in their lives, something Kirk helped them identify.
"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 the public must not shy away from calling 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."
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Acknowledgement Original Sources
Editorial and media segment Credit to: Editorialist Madison Colombo and Cardinal Timothy Dolan | Credit to: Publisher Fox and Friends | Headline: Charlie Kirk assassination will spark faith revival among youth, Cardinal Dolan predicts | Time-Stamped-(AWST): 11:40am EDT | Date-Stamped -(AWST): September 19, 2025. EDT | Editorial: FOXNEWS Charlie Kirk assassination will spark faith revival among youth Cardinal Dolan predicts 2025SEP19.pdf Online Source Here
