Catholic Bishops Pray Over Trump in Oval Office

Twelve U.S. Catholic bishops met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Oct. 22, and Denver Archbishop James R. Golka led a prayer for the president and the country. After photos and video of the meeting circulated shortly before an election, Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob and Des Moines Bishop William Joensen apologized for attending, saying they expected a private discussion and that participants had not authorized the release of the images. Grob apologized to congregants troubled by the footage, including people affected by Trump administration policies; Joensen said the meeting was not an endorsement and regretted being used for partisan purposes. Golka and the bishops said the prayer was not intended to endorse Trump, his policies or his party, and his diocese said praying for public officials does not support a particular candidate or party. The White House said the meeting covered immigration, human dignity, religious freedom, school choice, religious visas, life policy and the role of its Faith Office; when asked about consent to release the footage, it praised Trump’s record with Catholic Americans. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said it did not organize or affiliate with the meeting.