Washington: Bishop Robert Barron has paid an emotional tribute to American conservative leader and commentator Charlie Kirk, who was killed in a shooting incident yesterday.

Remembering Kirk as both a sharp thinker and a man of deep Christian conviction, Barron highlighted his personal encounters with the 31-year-old activist.

Bishop Barron recalled first meeting Kirk four years ago in Phoenix, where they shared breakfast before a speaking event. “I was struck by his brilliance, charm, and genuine goodness of heart,” Barron said. A year ago, the two met again during a discussion Kirk led with young people, where his openness and calm demeanor stood out despite differing perspectives.

The Bishop also revealed that Kirk was scheduled to appear as a guest on his program within the coming days, and that their last exchange took place just two nights before the tragedy. Kirk had praised Barron’s remarks on a religious freedom commission during a news show and ended his message with the words, “God bless.”

Barron described Kirk not only as a powerful voice for civil law in America but also as a Christian who took his faith seriously. “He was more than an able public communicator; his spiritual seriousness defined him. We pray that he now rests peacefully with God,” Barron said.

Kirk’s death has sparked widespread shock across political and religious communities in the United States, with tributes pouring in for the young leader whose influence was felt far beyond politics.