Rome: German Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller has described conservative Christian activist Charlie Kirk as “a martyr for Jesus Christ” and denounced what he called the “satanic celebration” of Kirk’s assassination by some of his detractors. Speaking in an interview with Catholic journalist Diane Montagna, published on Substack on September 17, Müller emphasized that Kirk’s death should be understood as a witness to faith rather than merely a political act.
“From a supernatural perspective, Kirk did not die simply as a victim of a political assassination, but as someone who bore witness ‘martyros’ in Greek for Jesus Christ,” Müller said. He stressed that Kirk’s life exemplified fidelity to God’s truth, particularly regarding the sanctity of life, marriage, and family, and his opposition to what Müller described as the falsehoods promoted by “trans ideology” and gender-affirming practices.
Kirk, an evangelical Christian, was shot on September 10 at Utah Valley University while responding to a student question about transgenderism and gun violence. Authorities have identified suspected killer Tyler Robinson, who has ties to a transgender individual cooperating with the investigation.
Kirk had expressed a desire to be remembered for courage in his faith. Throughout his activism, he defended the unborn, promoted traditional family values, and encouraged young people to prioritize God and family. Despite widespread condemnation of the assassination, some individuals reportedly celebrated Kirk’s death on social media, leading to professional repercussions for teachers, professors, healthcare workers, and others, according to media reports.
Cardinal Müller condemned such responses, saying, “Kirk was the victim of an atheistic ideology, whose followers erupted in satanic celebration over the murder of an exemplary husband and family man. The devil always takes possession of those who hate life and truth. As Jesus said, the devil is a ‘murderer from the beginning’ and the ‘father of lies’.”
Although Kirk was Protestant, he occasionally attended Catholic Mass with his wife, Erika, who is Catholic, and often praised the Church’s teachings. Earlier this year, he lauded faithful Catholics for defending life, marriage, and resisting gender ideology, while also noting that Protestants “under-venerate Mary” and pointing to her as a remedy to cultural issues he viewed as harmful.
Reflecting on Mary’s role, Müller said, “Through her ‘yes’ to the incarnation of God, she became the mother of Jesus, the only redeemer of humanity, who alone delivers us from lies, sin, and death, and all murderous ideologies.” He concluded by invoking prayers for Kirk’s family, asking that “the Lord Jesus and holy Mary bring comfort to Charlie’s wife and children.”