Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan on Wednesday called for a reduction in political hatred and acrimony following the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, saying a culture of overheated rhetoric and online echo chambers contributes to a climate that can foster violence.
In a New York Post opinion column, Dolan recalled that the somber 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks coincided with the killing of Kirk, the founder of the conservative group Turning Point USA, who was fatally shot at an on-campus event in Utah. Dolan wrote that the two events made for an emotionally difficult week for many Americans and prompted reflection on the toll of political and societal violence.
Dolan listed other recent episodes of political and public violence cited in his column, including attempts on the life of former President Donald Trump while he campaigned last summer, the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and past attempted assassinations of political figures such as Rep. Steve Scalise and Rep. Gabby Giffords. He also referenced school shootings in Minnesota and Colorado as part of a broader pattern of recurring violence.
The archbishop argued that a major driver of this pattern is a shift in public discourse toward dehumanizing language and personal attacks. He said many people now inhabit online echo chambers that reinforce the belief that opponents are not merely wrong but evil or dangerous. "Most people," he acknowledged, "even those who consume such media, don’t respond with physical violence," but he asked whether the posture of seeing the other as unworthy of respect can foster violence in hearts and minds.
Dolan invoked examples from a previous political era to underline his point. He wrote that President Ronald Reagan and House Speaker Tip O’Neill, despite sharp ideological differences, maintained a personal friendship and treated one another with respect — a contrast he said is difficult to imagine among today’s leaders. He also described Kirk, whom he said was a tireless advocate of dialogue and debate, as embodying a commitment to conversation that he suggested could help preserve democratic norms.
The column offered two concrete prescriptions. First, Dolan urged people to focus on issues rather than personal attacks, recommending statements framed as positions on policies rather than condemnations of individuals. Second, he called for prayer and humility, invoking the Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the peacemakers," he wrote, and urged readers to approach others as fellow human beings made in the image of God.
Dolan acknowledged that the suggestion of prayer may be mocked in some quarters, but he said prayer cultivates humility and self-awareness, which in turn could reduce anger and vitriol toward others. He said he intends to spend more time "on my knees" asking for help and asked readers to join that effort.
The column adds to an ongoing national conversation about the relationship between political rhetoric, social media, and acts of violence. Commentators and lawmakers across the political spectrum have debated steps ranging from changes in online platform moderation to initiatives promoting civic education and civil discourse. Dolan framed his appeal in moral and religious terms, calling for a reclaiming of dignity and respect for all people as a bulwark against further bloodshed.
Dolan is the archbishop of New York. His remarks were published as an opinion piece in the New York Post and reflect his perspective on how societal behavior and religious practice intersect with political life.