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

Two Catholic bishops, Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob and Des Moines Archbishop William Joensen, have expressed regret over a White House meeting that resulted in a photo of them praying with President Donald Trump. The meeting, held on Thursday, was quickly publicized by the White House with photos and a video, without the participants' consent, just two weeks before the midterm elections.

Grob said he felt "a heavy sadness" over the pain caused and the sanctity of prayer being manipulated. Joensen expressed regret for being "exploited for partisan political purposes" and pledged to be more prudent in the future. The White House did not respond to questions about consent for releasing the photos and video. The bishops were invited to discuss issues like immigration enforcement, religious worker visas, abortion, and federal tax credits for private education. Grob emphasized the meeting was not an endorsement of the president, his policies, or his party.