US CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS SAYS NOT LINKED TO TRUMP PRAYER EVENT

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has clarified that it had no role in organising a prayer gathering involving President Donald Trump and Catholic bishops at the White House.

The clarification followed the circulation of a video showing religious leaders gathered around Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday, October 22.

Conference spokesperson Chieko Noguchi said the meeting was neither organised by nor affiliated with the USCCB.

The statement addressed the conference’s involvement; it did not dispute that individual Catholic bishops attended.

Denver Archbishop James Golka led the prayer, asking for blessings upon the president and the country.

The Archdiocese of Denver confirmed his participation, saying the meeting offered an opportunity for continued discussion about human dignity and the sanctity of life.

According to White House Faith Director Jenny Korn, the gathering was arranged by the White House Faith Office as part of its engagement with religious leaders.

She said discussions included religious freedom, school choice, religious visas and policies concerning life issues.

The meeting attracted attention as the United States approached its midterm elections. The bishops’ conference’s clarification makes clear that the gathering was not an official USCCB event.