A video showing a dozen Catholic bishops praying over President Donald Trump in the Oval Office has drawn criticism online and raised questions about political endorsement. One of the bishops has since issued a public apology, stating that the meeting was not an endorsement. Amid the controversy, CatholicVote’s president highlighted that public prayer is a crucial form of evangelization.
CatholicVote President and CEO Kelsey Reinhardt spoke out Oct. 25 in support of the bishops who recently prayed over President Donald Trump at the White House, emphasizing the importance of witnessing to the faith in public and praying for elected leaders.
"The internet is on fire with criticism of the 12 bishops who prayed over President Trump in the Oval Office. Let me remind everyone that bishops are priests and pastors and should not have to apologize for praying over presidents," Reinhardt said in the statement shared on X. "This assault on public prayer is based on a secular vision of life — not the essential evangelization required by the Gospel.”
“Not only should we give them the space to be evaluated outside the secular political lens, they should give that grace to themselves in the face of this unwarranted criticism,” she added.
According to Denver Catholic, the bishops, including Denver Archbishop James Golka, were invited to attend a meeting, organized by the White House Faith Office, with Trump administration officials. The outlet reports that the three-hour Oct. 22 meeting covered topics including immigration issues, school choice, religious freedom, religious worker visas, and the protection of life. The bishops were also invited to briefly meet and pray with Trump in the Oval Office.
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