Bishops Regret Trump Prayer Photo Op

Two Catholic bishops who prayed with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office have expressed regret after the White House publicized the session as a campaign photo op less than two weeks before the midterm elections. Archbishop Jeffrey Grob of Milwaukee and Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines issued separate statements apologizing for inadvertently participating in what appeared to be an endorsement of the president.

According to The Guardian, the White House quickly posted video and photos of the prayer on social media, captioned as Catholic archbishops and bishops praying with the US president. Grob issued a statement headlined 'A Public Apology,' in which he said he felt 'a heavy sadness' over the pain the images had caused. He mentioned receiving messages from people alarmed that he had unwittingly joined a political event on the eve of a national vote.

Joensen wrote that 'many things tied to this present Administration' were 'blatantly at odds with our Catholic faith.' He emphasized that none of the bishops intended to endorse any political party or candidate but wished he had been more shrewd in handling the situation. The meeting, arranged by the Heritage Foundation, was supposed to be a private discussion on immigration enforcement and other issues.

Denver Archbishop James Golka, another participant, told his archdiocese’s publication that he understood why many saw the video as an endorsement but insisted it was 'never my intention.' He expressed heartbreak over people being hurt and those using the moment to sow disunity. The White House declined to comment on whether they had received consent from the bishops for releasing the photos and video.