Trump Meets With Catholic Bishop Who Defended Denying Communion to Pelosi

President Donald Trump met Monday with Archbishop Paul Coakley, the newly elected president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and a staunch defender of pro-life principles.

Coakley once applauded denying Communion to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over her support for abortion.

The White House meeting focused on areas of mutual concern, including immigration enforcement and Venezuela’s sovereignty, according to a statement from the bishops’ conference. It marked an early engagement between the Trump administration and Catholic leadership, offering potential for collaboration on issues like protecting the unborn.

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Coakley, archbishop of Oklahoma City, was elected to lead the bishops’ conference in November 2025. He has been outspoken on life issues, notably supporting San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone’s 2022 decision to bar Pelosi from receiving Communion due to her advocacy for abortion access.

“I applaud the courage of Archbishop Cordileone and his leadership in taking this difficult step,” Coakley said at the time. “Let us continue to pray for Abp. Cordileone, priests of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, Speaker Pelosi, for the protection of the unborn, and for the conversion of hearts and minds.”

In a statement after Monday’s meeting, USCCB spokesperson Chieko Noguchi said Coakley also met with Vice President JD Vance and other officials.

“Archbishop Coakley had the opportunity for introductory meetings with President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other administration officials, in which they discussed areas of mutual concern, as well as areas for further dialogue,” Noguchi said. “Archbishop Coakley is grateful for the engagement and looks forward to ongoing discussions.”

Coakley, appearing on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” on Dec. 21, 2025, expressed optimism for cooperation.

“I think we have opportunities to work together. We have opportunities to speak frankly with one another,” Coakley said.

Upon his election as bishops’ conference president, Coakley called for prayers in his new role.

“I’m humbled by the trust which my brother bishops have placed in me by choosing me to serve as president of our episcopal conference,” he said on X. “Once again, the Lord is inviting me to put out into deep waters in calling me to accept this service and burden of leadership today. I accept it in faith and with great hope. Please pray that I may be a faithful steward and a wise servant of unity and communion with our Holy Father, Pope Leo, and with my brother bishops and priests.”

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