Catholic Bishops Regret White House Visit, Photo

There are two Catholic bishops who believe a photo of a visit to the White House for political purposes.

The photo shows 12 bishops praying with President Donald Trump.

Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob released in a statement titled “A Public Apology.”

Grob wrote Sunday he had received many questions and comments about the meeting on Thursday.

He said the meeting was quickly publicized by the White House with photos and a video. This was done without the consent of the participants. It also took place and less than two weeks from the midterm elections.

“I feel a heavy sadness, not only over the pain I caused, but also for the fact that something so sacred to a group of religious leaders, prayer to our Heavenly Father, would be manipulated in that way,” Grob said.

The bishop of Des Moines, Iowa, William Joensen, said in a statement he felt the White House had taken advantage of the bishops.

“I wish I had been more shrewd and less simple, like those who exploited our meeting for partisan political purpose,” he wrote. “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.”

The White House press office declined to answer whether the White House had or hadn’t received the bishop’s consent for releasing the photos and video.