Two prominent Catholic bishops in the US have openly expressed regret following an October 22 meeting at the White House with Donald Trump. The controversy erupted after images and video footage were released showing the religious leaders standing and praying with Trump at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, prompting widespread public questioning of whether they were making an implicit political statement.

According to statements released online, the meeting was supposedly arranged by the White House Faith Office to discuss pressing issues such as immigration policies, visas for international clergy, and the protection of vulnerable impoverished populations. However, Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob stated that he was led to believe the gathering was strictly private, noting that none of the participants gave authorization for the public distribution of photos or videos that were subsequently shared by a presidential communications adviser.

Bishop Grob revealed that he soon began receiving distressed messages from congregants concerned that he had inadvertently lent credibility to a partisan event shortly before a national election. The unfolding friction highlights deepening tensions between the US regime and religious figures, compounded by a strained relationship with Pope Leo XIV over aggressive immigration crackdowns and controversial administration policies that have reportedly alienated a significant portion of Catholic voters.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk