Catholic Bishops Apologize After Prayer Over Trump Goes Public
NEWSFEATURED
10/29/20262 min read
Why It Matters
Twelve bishops prayed for the president. Then several apologized. So when did praying for a leader become something you apologize for?
The Big Picture
On Oct. 22, twelve Catholic bishops met with White House officials, then prayed over President Trump in the Oval Office. A White House aide posted the video to X. Now several bishops say they were told it would be private.
By the Numbers
12 bishops were in the Oval Office, led in prayer by Denver Archbishop James Golka. Retired Archbishop Joseph Naumann’s office said the policy talks lasted 3 hours. The meeting happened 12 days before the Nov. 3 midterms.
What They’re Saying
Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob, in “a public apology”: “We should never have been put in that position by the White House.”
Golka, who didn’t apologize: “I was being a Catholic priest.”
The Other Side
Grob and Des Moines Bishop William Joensen say the White House exploited them. Both have policy disputes with this administration, and Grob has criticized its immigration policies. But Joensen also wrote that “none of us bishops were unaware” the meeting fell on the eve of a national election. And this White House routinely posts video of faith leaders praying with the president.
Meanwhile
Asked whether it had the bishops’ consent to post the video, the White House press office declined to answer. Many argue this is the most openly pro-Christian administration in modern history. Its critics seem to agree. Why else would they keep reaching for “Christian nationalist” as an insult?
The Bottom Line
If the bishops were told the meeting would stay private, they have a fair grievance. But start with the question that unlocks this whole story:
>>> What was the point then of three hours at the White House, ending in the Oval Office, the most public office in the world?
They call it the people’s house for a reason. Expecting privacy there is like asking the jumbotron operator to keep it between you two.
The Faith Check
Quick question. When Paul told Christians to pray “for kings and all those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1–2), who was the king? Nero. Praying for a president isn’t an endorsement, so why would it need an apology? Jesus said, “All you need to say is simply ‘yes’ or ‘no’” (Matthew 5:37). If the prayer was right, why not own it? Denver Archbishop James Golka did. The others are apologizing for being seen doing what Paul commanded.
You Should Probably Know
Someone will quote Matthew 6:5–6 at you, where Jesus says to pray behind a closed door. Was he banning public prayer, or prayer done to be admired? Daniel prayed with his windows open, knowing who was watching (Daniel 6:10). Jesus was asking about the heart, not the room.
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