Religious leaders in Washington, DC are speaking out after they say a place of worship was 'egregiously misused and manipulated' by a presidential visit.
Videos show President Donald Trump standing outside the Saint John Paul II National Shrine, holding a bible aloft after signing an executive order supporting International Religious Freedom.
To get to the shrine, Trump walked through a park that had been occupied by peaceful protesters.
Before the president and the camera crew travelled through the park, smoke canisters and tear gas were deployed to clear the area.
Video from the scene shows police officers aggressively shoving protesters 25 minutes before the official 7 p.m. curfew.
Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory issued a statement saying, "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. Saint Pope John Paul II was an ardent defender of the rights and dignity of human beings. 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."