Bishop Joensen says Trump meeting ‘exploited’ for politics, while others clarify backstory

Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines 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, surrounded by bishops, spiritual advisor Paula White-Cain, and White House Faith Office Director Jennifer Korn.

Archbishop Golka and several other attending bishops stated the meeting was not a political endorsement. They noted they were invited by the White House Faith Office to discuss Catholic concerns, including religious liberty, the right to life, school choice, and the dignity of migrants.

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 his presence was not intended as an endorsement of the president. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops had no role in the meeting.