Catholic Leaders Distance Themselves After Trump Prayer Video

Several Catholic leaders have publicly distanced themselves from the White House following the recent release of a video showing a prayer session in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump. The footage, circulated by administration officials ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, features Denver Archbishop James Golka leading a prayer over President Trump. Archbishop Golka emphasized that the event was not intended as an endorsement of the president or his policies. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has clarified, through spokesperson Chieko Noguchi, that it had no role in organizing the meeting and holds no official affiliation with it. Some senior members of the conference reported being unaware of the gathering until the video surfaced. Other bishops present at the event, including Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob, expressed regret, stating their intention was to discuss key issues and pray, not to participate in a political photo opportunity. Several Church officials have voiced concern that the video is being used for political purposes without their consent.