Archbishops Grob and Joensen Apologize for Oval Office Prayer Session
US Catholic leaders expressed regret after images of a private meeting with President Trump were released just days before the midterm elections, coinciding with a drop in his approval ratings among Catholic voters.
By Julian Reed ·
Archbishops Jeffrey Grob and William Joensen publicly expressed regret on October 26 for attending a prayer session with President Donald Trump, following the release of images that many observers interpreted as a political endorsement. The two bishops clarified that the meeting, which took place on October 22, was intended to be a private discussion on policy matters rather than a partisan photo opportunity. Their statements came in the final days before the November 3 midterm elections, a period when religious leaders often face scrutiny over their alignment with political figures.
The controversy began when Margo Martin, a special assistant to the president and communications adviser, shared video and photos of the gathering on social media. The visuals showed the bishops standing around the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, praying with the president. Archbishop Grob stated that he believed the session remained private until the media release. He noted that none of the participants had granted permission for the public distribution of the footage.
The timeline of events shows the meeting was arranged by officials in the White House Faith Office. Bishop Joensen of Des Moines, Iowa, said the group discussed immigration, visas for international clergy, and the exploitation of vulnerable poor persons. He emphasized that the bishops did not intend to endorse any political party or individual candidate. Joensen described his reaction to the leak as a wish that he had been more shrewd in dealing with those who he felt exploited the meeting for partisan purposes.
Archbishop Grob reported receiving messages of serious concern from congregants who feared he had inadvertently participated in a political event less than two weeks before the national election. He also noted that some parishioners felt wounded by the president's policies, which have affected their families. Grob confirmed that the religious leaders spent approximately 90 minutes in meetings with officials before being ushered into the Oval Office for the prayer session.
The timing of the revelation coincides with a decline in Trump's standing among Catholic voters. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted this month, 30% of US Catholics currently approve of his job performance. This figure represents a drop from 47% when he returned to the White House in 2025. The data suggests a shift in sentiment that could influence the upcoming election outcomes.
The midterm elections on November 3 will determine control of Congress. The Pew survey indicates that 42% of Catholics prefer the Democrats running in their local House of Representatives races, while 39% favor the Republicans. This margin suggests that Catholic voters may be leaning slightly toward the opposition party in competitive districts. The religious dynamic adds a layer of complexity to the campaign as candidates seek to court this voting bloc.
The friction between the Trump administration and the Catholic Church has persisted throughout the president's second term. Relations with Pope Leo XIV have been contentious, particularly regarding the administration's aggressive immigration enforcement. In October, Bishop Brendon Cahill and Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, issued a statement urging Christian compassion in the immigration debate. They criticized the clampdown for sowing fear and fracturing families.
The US Conference of Catholic Bishops also recently condemned the administration's plans to livestream a military execution, a proposal that was later scrapped. Despite these tensions, prominent Catholic figures remain engaged with the administration. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both Catholics, have visited the Vatican during Trump's second term. Additionally, Robert Barron of Minnesota and former New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan serve on the president's Religious Liberty Commission.
The White House responded to the bishops' comments without directly addressing the specifics of the meeting or the leak. Spokeswoman Taylor Rogers issued a statement praising Trump's record with Catholic Americans. She stated that there has never been a greater president for Catholic Americans than President Trump. The White House did not clarify how the video was approved for release by Margo Martin.
Source: BBC News
