A gathering of Catholic bishops at the White House has sparked renewed discussion about the Church’s relationship with political leaders, as a second bishop expresses regret over how an October 22 meeting with President Donald Trump was presented to the public.
Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines, Iowa, has joined Archbishop Jeffrey Grob of Milwaukee in raising concerns about the meeting, particularly after video footage showing the bishops praying with the president circulated publicly.
According to EWTN News, the bishops had been invited by the White House Faith Office to discuss issues affecting Catholics, including immigration, religious liberty, abortion, and education. However, the release of footage from the Oval Office prompted questions about whether the gathering could be interpreted as a political endorsement.
In an October 24 statement, Bishop Joensen acknowledged that he should have approached the meeting with greater caution, invoking Christ’s instruction in the Gospel of Matthew to be both wise and innocent when navigating difficult circumstances.
“I wish I had been more shrewd and less simple, like those who exploited our meeting for partisan political purposes,” Joensen said.
He added that the experience would influence his approach to future encounters with government officials.
“I pray I am more prudent and wise going forward, even as I remain resolute in my openness to engaging and praying for political leaders at all levels.”
Joensen did not identify who he believed had exploited the gathering for political purposes.
The controversy follows a public apology issued October 25 by Archbishop Grob, who expressed regret over confusion surrounding the meeting. According to EWTN News, Grob said he had not been aware that footage of the bishops praying with Trump would be distributed publicly.
Both bishops have emphasized that their participation was intended to advance conversations about Catholic concerns rather than demonstrate support for a political party or administration.
The meeting included approximately a dozen bishops who gathered with Trump in the Oval Office, where Denver Archbishop James Golka led a prayer. White House spiritual adviser Paula White-Cain and White House Faith Office Director Jennifer Korn were also present.
Video of the prayer was subsequently shared by White House communications adviser Margo Martin without an accompanying explanation of the discussions that had taken place.
According to EWTN News, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops had no role in organizing the gathering.
Despite the criticism surrounding the video, several participating bishops have defended the importance of maintaining communication with elected officials.
Bishop Joensen explained that discussions with administration representatives included immigration, the treatment of vulnerable populations, visas for international clergy, alternatives to abortion, and educational opportunities.
He acknowledged that “there are many things” associated with the administration that conflict with Catholic teaching, but said he attended because officials had expressed interest in hearing the bishops’ perspectives.
Other participants have offered similar explanations.
Bishop Scott Bullock of Rapid City, South Dakota, said the delegation addressed abortion, school choice, and ethical concerns surrounding in vitro fertilization.
He also defended the decision to pray with the president, pointing to the biblical responsibility to pray for those entrusted with public authority.
“We went there and we prayed, and we asked the Lord to instill our leaders with wisdom and also to help them remain humble,” Bullock said, according to EWTN News.
Bishop James Wall of Gallup, New Mexico, likewise indicated through a diocesan spokesperson that he would welcome opportunities to meet with political leaders regardless of party affiliation.
His statement emphasized the importance of praying for elected officials and encouraging leadership rooted in integrity rather than division.
Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, also addressed the purpose of the meeting. According to a statement from his office reported by EWTN News, Naumann discussed concerns about chemical abortion, in vitro fertilization, religious liberty, immigration, school choice, and protecting children from pornography.
His office further indicated that the bishops had been assured that photographs would not be released publicly.
“They came to have a discussion on important policy matters,” the statement explained. “As Catholic bishops, they pray with everyone, but do not endorse candidates or political parties.”
The White House, meanwhile, defended the president’s relationship with Catholic Americans.
In a statement provided to EWTN News, White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers praised Trump’s record on religious freedom, pro-life issues, and parental rights. The administration did not provide a direct response to the concerns raised by Bishops Joensen and Grob.
The situation has also prompted reflection from Catholic leaders who were not present.
Bishop Jesús Rodríguez of Palm Beach, Florida, wrote on X that actions perceived as political endorsements by Church leaders should not be understood as representing the official position of the Catholic Church.
The dispute highlights a challenge facing Catholic bishops as they seek to engage political leaders on matters of faith and public policy while maintaining the Church’s independence from partisan politics.
Catholic teaching calls the faithful to respect legitimate public authority, pray for those who govern, and advocate for the dignity of every human person. These responsibilities can require conversations with leaders whose policies may align with Church teaching on some issues while conflicting with it on others.
For the bishops involved, the central distinction remains between offering prayer and moral guidance to elected officials and appearing to endorse their political agendas.
As questions continue over the White House meeting, their statements underscore the importance of preserving that distinction while ensuring that Catholic concerns remain part of the national conversation.
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