Pope Leo XIV told the new U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Burch, that he is praying for conservative activist Charlie Kirk and his family.

Pope Leo XIV has told the new U.S. ambassador to the Vatican that he was praying for Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist assassinated in Utah last week, as well as his wife and children.

“The pope confirmed that he is praying for Charlie Kirk ,” spokesman Matteo Bruni said in comments reported by Vatican News.

The pope reiterated concerns that the agenda led by Trump to deport all those in the U.S. illegally undermines respect for human dignity.

Here's what's true — and what's false — about rumors that Leo is replacing New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who called Kirk a "modern-day St. Paul." ...

On Sept. 10, 2025, Turning Point USA co-founder and conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a Utah college speaking event. Politicians f rom all sides of the political spectrum, ...