Catholic bishops apologize for 'exploited' Trump meeting
Two Catholic bishops in the US have said they regret meeting President Donald Trump at the White House, after images of them praying with him were released and prompted many to ask if they were making a political statement.
TL;DR
- Two Catholic bishops regret meeting President Trump at the White House after photos were released.
- Archbishop Jeffrey Grob believed the meeting was private and not a political photo opportunity.
- Bishop William Joensen stated the meeting was arranged to discuss immigration, visas for clergy, and the exploitation of vulnerable people.
- Neither bishop intended to endorse any political party or candidate.
- The release of photos and video was not authorized by the bishops.
- The White House stated Trump has been a strong president for Catholic Americans.
- Recent surveys show declining approval for Trump among Catholic voters.
- Some US bishops have criticized the administration's immigration policies.
- The Catholic bishops' conference previously condemned the administration's plans to livestream an execution.