Trump prayer meeting sparks Catholic backlash

Two senior Catholic leaders in the United States have expressed regret over their meeting with President Donald Trump after photographs and video showing them praying with him in the White House triggered criticism that the gathering had been used for political purposes.

Archbishop Jeffrey Grob of Milwaukee and Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines, Iowa, were among 12 Catholic bishops who met with Trump on October 22, less than two weeks before the November 3 midterm elections.

The meeting was intended to discuss issues affecting the Catholic Church and its followers, including immigration enforcement, visas for international religious workers, human dignity and government support for private education, according to statements released by the bishops.

Grob said the participants had expected a private discussion with White House officials and were subsequently taken to the Oval Office, where they prayed with the president.

However, photographs and video of the prayer were later published online by Margo Martin, a White House communications aide, prompting concerns among Catholics that the bishops’ participation could be interpreted as an endorsement of Trump's administration.

In a public apology published on Sunday, Grob said the meeting had not been intended to support the president, his policies or his Republican Party.

He said he had received messages from people concerned that he had inadvertently participated in a political event.

Others expressed hurt over policies that had affected them or their families.

Grob also questioned the publication of the images, saying the bishops had not authorised the public distribution of the photographs or video.

He expressed sadness that a religious act had been presented in a way that could serve partisan political interests, adding that he regretted attending despite having reservations beforehand.

Bishop Joensen similarly acknowledged that the gathering had been exploited for political purposes.

In a statement released by the Diocese of Des Moines, he said the bishops had not intended to endorse any political party or candidate.

He added that he wished he had exercised greater caution before participating.

Joensen nevertheless maintained that religious leaders should remain willing to engage with political officials and pray for them, even when their positions differ from Catholic teachings.

The White House did not directly address questions about whether permission had been obtained to publish the images.

Instead, spokeswoman Taylor Rogers defended Trump’s record with Catholic Americans, saying no previous president had been better for the community.

The controversy comes amid broader disagreements between the Trump administration and some Catholic leaders, particularly over immigration enforcement.

Several bishops have criticised policies they believe conflict with the Church’s teachings on human dignity and the treatment of vulnerable people.

The meeting has also drawn attention because of its timing ahead of the midterm elections, when voters will determine control of both chambers of Congress.