When The Pulpit Preaches Purity But Practices Power

A month has passed since Cardinal Timothy Dolan likened right-wing activist Charlie Kirk to Saint Paul, a comparison that continues to resonate deeply, particularly given the week's events in Chicago.During this period, the city was grieving the loss of Silverio Villegas González, an immigrant father from Michoacán. After dropping his children at school, he was tragically shot in the back by an ICE officer. Meanwhile, the cardinal extolled Kirk—a man who has advocated for “lethal force” against individuals like Villegas González.This juxtaposition is troubling: a father’s death for his children versus a cleric celebrating Kirk’s harsh rhetoric. This raises essential questions about faith and compassion, particularly the teachings of Jesus, who called for love and welcomed the stranger.Dolan's commendation of Kirk, a figure promoting violence against immigrants, deviates from the core message of Christianity. Instead of promoting love, it sanctifies cruelty, demanding accountability and a sincere apology from Dolan to those affected.