Bishop Joensen says Trump meeting ‘exploited’ for politics

Des Moines Bishop William Joensen expressed regret that a video of a meeting with President Donald Trump was used for political purposes. The video, posted by the White House on Oct. 22, showed Denver Archbishop James Golka leading a prayer with the president, several other bishops, spiritual advisor Paula White-Cain, and White House Faith Office Director Jennifer Korn.

The bishops stated they attended the meeting at the invitation of the White House Faith Office to discuss Catholic concerns, including religious liberty, the dignity of migrants, school choice, and the right to life. Archbishop Golka clarified on archdiocesan social media that the gathering was not a political endorsement.

Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob issued a public apology on Oct. 25 for any confusion caused by the video. He stated he did not know the footage would be shared publicly and that the meeting was not intended as an endorsement of the president. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops had no role in the meeting.