Catholic bishops apologise for White House prayer photo with Trump

Two Catholic bishops have publicly expressed regret for taking part in a White House meeting that resulted in a widely circulated photo of them praying with President Donald Trump.

Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob issued a statement titled “A Public Apology,” saying the meeting on Thursday was quickly publicised by the White House with photos and a video, without the participants’ consent, and less than two weeks before the U.S. mid‑term elections. He described feeling “a heavy sadness” over the pain caused and the manipulation of a sacred act.

Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines, Iowa, also released a statement, stating the White House had taken advantage of the bishops. He said he wished he had been “more shrewd and less simple” and prayed for greater prudence in the future while remaining open to praying for political leaders.

The White House declined to comment on whether consent was obtained for the images, with spokeswoman Taylor Rogers asserting that “there has never been a greater president for Catholic Americans than President Trump.” The invitation, extended in September, had promised discussion on immigration enforcement, religious worker visas, abortion and federal tax credits for private education, and a private prayer opportunity.

Both bishops stressed that the meeting was not an endorsement of the president, his policies or his party, and apologized for any unintended political implications.

Source: ABC News. Photo: ROMAN ODINTSOV / Pexels.