U.S. bishops have stepped gingerly into a disagreement with the Catholic vice president, which follows previous conflict between President Donald Trump and Pope Francis.

Let’s name the truth: Bishop Budde’s call for mercy was not an attack. It was a reminder. A reminder that leadership without mercy is tyranny. A reminder that the church’s foundation lies in caring for the “least of these.” A reminder that our faith demands responsibility for the vulnerable.

I can't believe a so-called 'bishop' would stand up in church and ask President Trump to engage in some weird liberal behavior called 'mercy.'

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde's viral sermon taking on President Donald Trump brought supporters to Washington National Cathedral the following Sunday.

The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal bishop of Washington, D.C., asked President Trump for mercy in this National Prayer Service sermon.

In the inaugural prayer service, the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington asked President Trump to "have mercy upon the people in our country."

President Donald Trump celebrated the first full day of his second presidency in party by attending a church service at Washington National Cathedral. The progressive institution has long resisted Trump’s values, as Rolling Stone recently reported ...

President Trump is expected to attend an inaugural prayer service at Washington National Cathedral, meet with Republican leaders, and continue to work on executive and congressional actions on Day

arrives at the national prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Donald Trump, from left, watches as Rev. Mariann Budde arrives at the national prayer service at the ...

"The people who are in danger are the people who fear for their lives and their livelihoods," Budde said in an interview. "That’s where the focus should be."

The former presidential advisor stood out in her red style, and did her daughter Arabella Kushner, who sported a similar silhouette.

President Donald Trump (L), First Lady Melania Trump (2nd L), Vice President J.D. Vance (2nd R) and Second Lady Usha Vance (R) attend the National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, on Jan. 21, 2025.