Cardinal Dolan Faces Backlash for Comparing Charlie Kirk to St. Paul.

Cardinal Dolan Faces Backlash for Comparing Charlie Kirk to St. Paul.

In the USA

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New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan is facing intense backlash after referring to far-right activist Charlie Kirk as a “modern-day St. Paul” during a Fox & Friends interview.

The remark sparked outrage across social media and within Catholic circles, with critics accusing Dolan of glorifying a figure known for divisive rhetoric and inflammatory views.

St. Paul, originally Saul of Tarsus, was a towering figure in early Christianity.

After a dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus, he dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ.

He authored 13 of the 27 books in the New Testament, preached unity across ethnic and social lines, and endured persecution without retaliation.

His legacy is rooted in humility, grace, and spiritual transformation.

By contrast, Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was known for his combative political style and controversial statements.

Critics have pointed to his history of racism, sexism, ultranationalism, and xenophobia.

The National Catholic Reporter condemned Dolan’s comparison as “false by any measure,” arguing that Kirk’s legacy stands in stark contrast to the values St. Paul embodied.

Dolan’s comments have reignited debate over the Church’s political entanglements and its handling of polarizing figures.

Many are now calling on the Vatican to reevaluate Dolan’s leadership, questioning whether his praise of Kirk reflects a troubling shift in the Church’s moral compass.

While Kirk’s death is undeniably tragic, equating him with one of Christianity’s most revered apostles has struck many as not only inaccurate but deeply offensive—especially in a nation where the separation of church and state still matters.

Footage / The Senecca Project/ Fox news.