Australian media covered the deaths of two public figures who died within the same week mid September 2025.

Charlie Kirk, American  right-wing political activist, entrepreneur, and media personality died on 10 September 2025 from a gunshot wound in front of 3,000 people in Utah. (Source)

Eremitis Bishop Pat Power from the Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra Goulburn died on 15 September 2025 at the age of 83.

Bishop Power was a familiar face and uncompromising public voice for the marginalised, urging government support for Palestinian statehood and protesting the treatment of refugees.

His progressive attitude led to clashes with the church hierarchy and political leaders, including with then-prime minister John Howard. (Source)

Two members of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference published memorial statements for Charlie Kirk:

Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green OSPPE DD

Facebook Post 13 September 2025

This week many in the western world are reeling from the news of the murder of prominent Christian influencer Charlie Kirk.

Though we do not know the motive of the murder it is probable that Charlie was killed because of his conservative and chritian beliefs which he had great skill in communicating to millions of people. It is a sad reflection on our society when a person cannot speak and challenge the prevailing ‘Orthodoxy’ of their society without becoming a target for hatred and violence. May brave people, like Charlie, continue to witness to Christ and his truth in our world despite the cost. May he rest in peace!

Charlie Kirk – A Martyr for Free Speech

Neither Bishop Columba McBeth-Green or Archbishop Eremitis Porteous have used these public platforms to pay tribute to their deceased brother Bishop, Pat Power! To his credit Archbishop Porteous did attend the funeral service!

Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green OSPPE sits on the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service yet seems unable to acknowledge that the late Bishop Past Power bore witness to “Christ and his truth in this world”. Perhaps both bishops need to read more widely: What are Black Catholics hearing when church leaders praise Charlie Kirk? by Gloria Purvis October 6, 2025