WASHINGTON, D.C. — October 22, 2026. A group of Roman Catholic archbishops and bishops gathered around President Donald Trump inside the Oval Office on Thursday for a moment of prayer, bringing religious leaders and the president together at the White House. The meeting was documented in a video shared by presidential communications adviser Margo Martin and confirmed by the Archdiocese of Denver, which identified Archbishop James R. Golka as the leader of the prayer.
The gathering took place around the Resolute Desk, where Trump sat surrounded by Catholic clergy. The religious leaders prayed for the president and the United States, asking for divine guidance and protection. The appearance provided a public glimpse of the administration’s engagement with Catholic leaders during Trump’s second presidential term.
DENVER ARCHBISHOP JAMES GOLKA LEADS PRAYER FOR THE PRESIDENT
According to the Archdiocese of Denver, Golka joined fellow bishops from different parts of the United States for the October 22 meeting. During the prayer, the archbishop expressed gratitude for the country and asked for spiritual protection over the nation.
The archdiocese subsequently released an official statement confirming Golka’s participation. The prayer invoked the Holy Spirit and called for protection against evil influences, while seeking God’s blessing for the president and the American people. The statement emphasized the religious nature of the gathering and the importance of prayer for national leaders.
WHITE HOUSE VIDEO CAPTURES THE RELIGIOUS GATHERING
Margo Martin, who serves as a special assistant to the president and communications adviser, shared footage of the meeting on social media. The Archdiocese of Denver subsequently published the video alongside its own account of the encounter, confirming the participation of Catholic bishops and Archbishop Golka’s leadership of the prayer.
The meeting represents another instance of Trump receiving Christian religious leaders at the White House. However, the October 22 gathering was specifically identified by Denver church officials as involving Roman Catholic bishops. It should not be confused with earlier prayer events attended by evangelical pastors.
CATHOLIC LEADERS EXPRESS WILLINGNESS TO CONTINUE DIALOGUE
Following the meeting, the Archdiocese of Denver said it welcomed further conversations with the administration about issues central to Catholic social teaching. These include the protection of human life from conception to natural death and the inherent dignity of every person.
The statement presented the meeting as an occasion for prayer and respectful engagement with the office of the president. It did not announce a new government initiative, a formal policy agreement or an endorsement of Trump’s political positions.
MEETING FOLLOWS PREVIOUS DIFFERENCES OVER POPE LEO XIV
The encounter also comes months after Archbishop Golka publicly criticized remarks Trump directed at Pope Leo XIV. In April 2026, the Denver archbishop joined other Catholic leaders in calling for respectful dialogue following the president’s criticism of the pontiff.
Golka’s earlier statement emphasized that the pope’s mission is pastoral rather than political and urged public officials to approach disagreements with respect. The October meeting therefore illustrates the possibility of continued contact between political and religious leaders even when disagreements exist.
FAITH, GOVERNMENT AND THE NEXT STEPS
Religious leaders frequently engage with elected officials on issues including human dignity, social welfare, religious liberty and the protection of vulnerable communities. The Catholic Church’s public positions do not necessarily align with a single political party or administration, making such meetings distinct from institutional political endorsements.
For now, the confirmed outcome of Thursday’s Oval Office gathering is a documented moment of prayer and an expression of openness to further conversations. Whether the meeting leads to additional discussions about public policy remains to be seen.
