Renowned Catholic sculptor Timothy Schmaltz has channeled his sorrow following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk into a poignant tribute displayed at Ave Maria University in Florida.
Schmaltz began crafting a sculpture of Jesus Christ the day after Kirk was tragically killed during a lecture at Utah Valley University in September, aiming to bring some comfort amid the grief, as reported by Catholic News Agency.
He described the process as a “form of prayer,” with the artwork symbolically addressing the wound on Jesus where Kirk’s life was taken.
“This was a human murder. It was also a violent attack on the notion that we could engage as decent people. When Kirk was slain, it felt as if our freedom was murdered too,” Schmaltz expressed.
Visibly moved by footage of Kirk’s killing, Schmaltz questioned the dignity afforded to the victim, reflecting on how social media sometimes strips away the sacredness of human life.
Yet, rather than being consumed by the negativity of the situation, Schmaltz sought to transform the tragedy into something meaningful.
“The whole ordeal compelled me to create something positive from this horrific event. I thought about how Charlie, a man of faith, would want to be depicted,” he remarked.
A few days after the incident, Pope Leo reportedly expressed his prayers for Kirk and his family. Schmaltz began his sculpture then, viewing it as a form of visual prayer. Now completed, the piece is ready to be cast in bronze, with its first installation planned for Ave Maria University.
Schmaltz emphasized the importance of fostering kindness and peace, hoping to steer society away from anger.
“We exist in a culture marked by nihilism, and if we find ourselves in a cultural battle, we need to actively resist,” he stated.
Recently, Schmaltz noted that he hopes his faith-inspired sculptures can help promote Christianity, illustrating how impactful art can engage even the most skeptical youth.
When Mark Midondorff, president of Ave Maria University, saw images of the sculpture, he and Schmaltz agreed to proceed with its installation on campus.
Kirk, a strong advocate for free speech, family, and conservative values, was a Christian whose faith inspired him to share his message widely.
