US Catholic bishops say the White House exploited their Oval Office prayer with Trump for political gain

Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob issued 'A Public Apology' on Sunday, saying the photos and video were published without the bishops' consent. He and 11 other bishops met President Donald Trump on Thursday, less than two weeks before the midterm elections. Grob said something sacred had been 'manipulated'. Asked whether the bishops consented, the White House press office declined to answer.

Des Moines Bishop William Joensen: 'I wish I had been more shrewd and less simple.'

Denver Archbishop James Golka, who led the prayer, said endorsement 'was never my intention'.

White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers: 'There has never been a greater president for Catholic Americans.'