Catholic bishops express regret after White House releases prayer meeting photos

Two Catholic bishops have expressed regret after attending a White House meeting that produced a publicly shared photograph of them praying with President Donald Trump. According to ABC News and AP News, the leaders stated that the White House used the gathering politically without obtaining consent from participants. [1][10]

Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob released a statement titled A Public Apology on Sunday. ABC News reported that Grob received numerous inquiries regarding the Thursday gathering, which included 11 other bishops. He noted that the White House quickly released photographs and a video of the event without prior permission. [1]

Independent Catholic News and The New York Times also reported on the apologies issued by Catholic leaders following the event. The New York Times noted that church leaders maintained the meeting was not intended as a political endorsement, while the White House distributed media showing the prayer session shortly after it concluded. [8][9]

Denver Archbishop James Golka separately responded to public reaction concerning the meeting. EWTN News reported that Golka defended his attendance at the White House by stating he was simply performing his duty as a Catholic priest. [11]