Catholic bishops apologize after praying with Trump at White House

Two Catholic bishops have publicly apologized after the White House released images of them praying with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, less than two weeks before the midterm elections. Archbishop Jeffrey Grob of Milwaukee and Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines said they felt 'used' and that the meeting was exploited for partisan political purposes without their consent. Source: CNN Source: infobae

The meeting and the backlash

The meeting, attended by 12 prelates, was intended to discuss issues of importance to the Church, including immigration enforcement, visas for religious workers, and human dignity. Source: infobae However, the White House published a video and photos of the bishops praying around Trump, who remained seated with his head bowed. Archbishop Grob stated that the gathering 'did not constitute, in any way, an endorsement of the president, his policies, or his party.' Source: CNN He added that he received messages expressing 'deep concern' about inadvertently participating in a political event. Source: CNN

Bishops' statements

• Archbishop Grob issued a 'public apology,' saying he went to the meeting 'with reservations' and wished he had listened to them. He expressed 'deep sadness' that prayer was 'manipulated.' Source: CNN Source: infobae
• Bishop Joensen said he wished he had been 'more astute and less naive,' accusing the White House of exploiting the meeting for 'partisan political purposes.' He noted that 'many aspects of the current Administration clash frontally with our Catholic faith.' Source: infobae

Contrast with the Vatican

The incident contrasts with the careful stance of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, who has urged bishops to stay clear of partisan politics. Source: CNN The Pope has spoken out against the Trump administration's immigration policies and the war in Iran, and his decision not to visit the U.S. in 2026 was largely due to the midterm elections. Source: CNN