The president and Mrs. Trump visited the shrine to both commemorate Pope Saint John Paul II's 100th birthday two weeks ago and the 41st anniversary of the modern day saint's historic Mass at Victory Square in Warsaw. Melania Trump is the first Catholic First Lady since Jacqueline Kennedy.

After his visit to the shrine, established and operated by the Knights of Columbus, President Trump planned to return to the White House to sign an executive order on religious freedom.

"I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people even those with whom we might disagree," said Gregory in a statement released the very hour of Trump's visit.

"Saint Pope John Paul II was an ardent defender of the rights and dignity of human beings," continued Gregory. "His legacy bears vivid witness to that truth. He certainly would not condone the use of tear gas and other deterrents to silence, scatter or intimidate them for a photo opportunity in front of a place of worship and peace."

A spokesperson for the shrine indicated on Tuesday that the White House had scheduled the president's visit long before the recent violent uprisings in cities across the nation, countering Gregory's implication that this was nothing more than a political photo op.

"This was fitting given St. John Paul II was a tireless advocate of religious liberty throughout his pontificate," the Shrine said in a statement. "International religious freedom receives widespread bipartisan support, including unanimous passage of legislation in defense of persecuted Christians and religious minorities around the world."

He added that "the shrine welcomes all people to come and pray and learn about the legacy of St. John Paul II... Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

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