A Catholic bishop in Michigan, USA, has shared his thoughts on the disparity between President Biden’s policies and his professed Catholic beliefs, suggesting the need for “forgiveness” in light of what he perceives as the president’s lack of understanding.

Bishop Robert Gruss of the Saginaw Catholic Diocese addressed the topic of “Forgiveness as the Heart of Christianity” during a lecture at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption. According to Fox News, Gruss urged the congregation to release unproductive anger and resentment towards others.

Drawing from his personal experience of growing up with an alcoholic father, the bishop referred to a letter he wrote as an adult, forgiving his father for the hardships of his youth. Reflecting on President Biden, who identifies publicly as Catholic but holds views supporting abortion, gender ideology, and other policies that contradict Church teachings, Gruss expressed a sense of pity rather than anger.

“I don’t harbour any anger towards the president. I feel sorry for him. I’m not angry at him, he’s just lacking understanding,” stated Gruss, clarifying that he used the term “stupid” not as an insult, but to convey the president’s limited comprehension of the Catholic faith.

Although the bishop’s comment elicited laughter from the audience, he maintained a serious tone, emphasizing that it was not meant to denigrate, but rather to express concern about the president’s grasp of Catholic doctrine.