by Gloria Purvis | America Magazine

After Charlie Kirk’s assassination last month, public figures faced immediate scrutiny over their reactions. Many people on the political right viewed any criticism of Mr. Kirk as tacit approval of his murder, while praise for his civic engagement became widespread.

In Catholic circles, two prominent bishops lauded his example: Bishop Robert Barron called him an “apostle of civil discourse,” and Cardinal Timothy Dolan compared him to St. Paul. They praised Mr. Kirk’s willingness to debate opponents and speak openly about his Christian faith. Ave Maria University announced that it would install a bronze sculpture of Jesus embracing Mr. Kirk on its campus. Personally, I experienced a Mass in which a priest praised Mr. Kirk without qualification during his homily.