Catholic Bishops Apologise for Meeting Donald Trump, Believed Interaction Was Private
Two Roman Catholic bishops have publicly apologised after photographs depicting them praying with former US President Donald Trump were widely distributed. Bishop David Ricken of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Bishop Joseph Coffey, a military auxiliary bishop, separately stated that they believed their meetings with Trump were private and not intended for public dissemination or political leverage.
Bishop Ricken explained that his encounter with Trump during a recent campaign stop in his diocese was arranged to discuss "matters of concern to the Church". He expressed regret that images from the meeting created "confusion and concern", adding, "I am truly sorry for any misunderstanding or scandal that has resulted from the release of the picture".
Similarly, Bishop Coffey, who oversees Catholic military personnel, clarified that his meeting with Trump in Philadelphia was a private encounter he accepted "out of pastoral concern". He apologised for the "exploited" nature of the photographs, which implied an endorsement. Both bishops reiterated the Church's policy of political neutrality and non-endorsement of candidates, emphasising their commitment to minister to all individuals.