Bishop Robert Gruss of Saginaw, Michigan recently apologized for remarks he made about President Joe Biden during a presentation titled “Forgiveness as the Heart of Christianity” held on April 5.

During the presentation at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, Bishop Gruss talked about the importance of forgiveness, even towards public figures. “If you’re harboring bad, negative, resentful feelings towards our president, you’re not free,” he said.

Gruss said that letting go of animosity is a spiritual need and that you shouldn’t “have any anger towards the president. I feel sorry for him. I’m not angry at him; he’s just stupid.”

Bishop Gruss now acknowledges his comment about President Biden was in “poor judgment.”

The bishop explained that his use of the word ‘stupid’ was not intended to be disparaging but rather to express pity for what he perceives as Biden’s misunderstanding of the Catholic faith.

In his apology, Bishop Gruss reiterated his commitment to pray for all political leaders, including President Biden, encouraging “people of all faiths and goodwill to pray for our great nation.”

He hoped that his apology and clarification would help foster a spirit of forgiveness and understanding among his community and beyond.

Photo credit: AndrewReder via Wikimedia Commons
Love uCATHOLIC?
Get our inspiring content delivered to your inbox every morning - FREE!