Catholic bishops regret White House prayer photo with Trump, say it was used politically

Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob and Des Moines Bishop William Joensen expressed regret regarding a White House meeting held Thursday that resulted in a photo of the bishops praying with President Donald Trump.

Archbishop Grob stated that the White House publicized the meeting through photos and video without the consent of the participants. He noted the release occurred less than two weeks before the midterm elections and expressed sadness that prayer was manipulated for political purposes. Grob said he issued the apology after receiving many questions and distraught comments from the public.

Bishop Joensen said the White House exploited the meeting for partisan political purposes. He stated he wished he had been more prudent and less simple during the encounter.