Grob said he had been invited in mid-September to join 11 other bishops for discussions on issues important to the Catholic Church, including human dignity and immigration enforcement. He said he had not attended an earlier June gathering organized by the Heritage Foundation.

The bishops were told the October meeting would be private and that Catholic members of the Cabinet might attend, Grob said. After a 90-minute discussion with White House domestic policy staff and advisers, the group was brought to the Oval Office to meet Trump. Grob said photos and video were taken without the bishops’ consent.

The footage prompted messages from people concerned that Grob had inadvertently participated in a political event less than two weeks before a national election, he said. In his apology, Grob said he was saddened by the hurt caused and by what he described as the manipulation of a sacred act of prayer.

The bishops came in good faith to work for the well-being of others and pray with the president, Grob said, not to create a political photo opportunity. The meeting, he added, should not be taken as support for Trump, his policies or his party.

Trump has previously prayed with religious leaders in the Oval Office. A video released March 5 showed him praying with a group of pastors, according to Reuters.