Catholic Bishops Apologize After White House Releases Unconsented Prayer Video Ahead of Midterms

Key points

• Archbishop Jeffrey Grob of Milwaukee and Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines apologized for participating in the October 22 meeting, stating they believed it was private and not a political photo opportunity.
• The White House released video of the prayer session via special assistant Margo Martin, which the bishops said was done without their consent.
• The meeting was organized by the White House Faith Office and the Heritage Foundation to discuss immigration, visas for international clergy, and the exploitation of vulnerable persons.
• Denver Archbishop James Golka acknowledged the meeting could be seen as an endorsement but stated it was never his intention, calling the public release 'heartbreaking'.
• The White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers defended the meeting, stating Trump has the greatest record for Catholic Americans, while the US Conference of Catholic Bishops distanced itself from the event.

Background

This incident occurs against a backdrop of deteriorating relations between the Trump administration and the Catholic Church, particularly with Pope Leo XIV, who has clashed with the president over immigration policies and the war in Iran. In 2024, Trump won 55% of the Catholic vote, but recent Pew Research Center data shows approval ratings among US Catholics have dropped to 30% in his second term. The bishops' apology follows a series of critical statements from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops regarding the administration's immigration crackdown and a scrapped plan to livestream a military execution.

How outlets are covering it

The BBC and Financial Times highlight the bishops' regret and the lack of consent for the video's release, framing the incident as a manipulation of a sacred event for political gain. The Washington Post emphasizes the bishops' statements that the meeting was not intended to be political, while also noting the White House's defense of Trump's record. The Financial Times adds context about the broader strain in relations between the US administration and the Vatican, noting that analysts view the photo op as a sign of desperation ahead of the midterms. All sources agree that the incident has caused significant concern among Catholic congregants and has further polarized the relationship between the Catholic hierarchy and the Trump administration.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the growing tension between the Trump administration and the Catholic Church, a key voting bloc in the upcoming midterm elections. The release of the video without consent has raised questions about the administration's respect for religious institutions and its willingness to use them for political purposes. It also underscores the shifting dynamics of Catholic support for Trump, with approval ratings dropping significantly since his return to the White House. The incident may influence Catholic voters' decisions in the November 3 elections, where control of Congress is at stake.

What to watch

The midterm elections on November 3 will be a critical test of the Trump administration's relationship with Catholic voters. The White House may continue to use the video to bolster support among Catholic voters, while the Catholic hierarchy may further distance itself from the administration. The incident may also lead to increased scrutiny of the White House's interactions with religious leaders and its use of media for political purposes.