Several of us watched Cardinal Dolan’s recent FOX interview, where he referred to Charlie Kirk as “a modern-day St. Paul.” The Cardinal praised Mr. Kirk’s conviction and willingness to speak about the Lord and for being a model for young people looking for meaning in their lives.
We grieve every loss of life and unequivocally condemn the killing of Mr. Kirk.
What Cardinal Dolan may not have known is that many of Mr. Kirk’s words were marked by racist, homophobic, transphobic, and anti-immigrant rhetoric, by violent pro-gun advocacy, and by the promotion of Christian nationalism. These prejudicial words do not reflect the qualities of a saint. To compare Mr. Kirk to St. Paul risks confusing the true witness of the Gospel and giving undue sanction to words and actions that hurt the very people Jesus calls us to love.
Just last week, Cardinal Dolan joined us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the canonization of our Foundress, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Elizabeth’s legacy is not one of exclusion or hatred, but of radical welcome, tireless service, and unwavering love of neighbor. Many of Mr. Kirk’s words stand in stark contrast to the charity and compassion that defined those of Elizabeth Seton.
For generations, the Sisters of Charity of New York have cared for immigrant families arriving with nothing but hope. While our direct service has changed, our commitment to those families endures. They deserve true examples of discipleship, not false prophets.
In this moment, we reaffirm our mission: to walk with all people who are poor and marginalized, to welcome immigrants and refugees, to defend the dignity of LGBTQ+ persons, and to labor for peace in a world saturated with violence. These are the marks of authentic discipleship. These are the qualities of saints.
We urge our Church leadership, including Cardinal Dolan, to lift up witnesses whose lives truly reflect the Gospel of Jesus Christ – lives of humility, justice, compassion, and peace.
We will continue to pray for Mr. Kirk, his family and for all who mourn his loss.
Leadership Team, Sisters of Charity of New York
Sr. Donna Dodge, Sr. Margaret O’Brien, Sr. Mary Mc Cormick,
Sr. Mary Ann Daly, Sr. Sheila Brosnan, Sr. Margaret Egan 9/24/2025
###
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of RNS or Religion News Foundation.