2026 National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., with Political Leaders, Clergy, and Cultural Figures

The 2026 National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., brought together political leaders, clergy, and cultural figures to discuss the intersection of faith and public service. Established in 2004, the event continues its mission of "new evangelization" through prayer and dialogue.

Here is a glimpse into the keynote speakers and their messages:

Political Leadership & Religious Liberty

  • Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.):

     An evangelical Christian, Johnson addressed the "wall of separation" between church and state. He argued that the founders intended to protect the church from government overreach, not to scrub religious influence from the public square.

  • House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.): Reflecting on his survival of the 2017 congressional baseball shooting, Scalise spoke personally about the power of prayer as a "direct conversation with God" during times of immense burden.

  • Vince Haley (U.S. Domestic Policy Director): Representing President Donald Trump, Haley read a message affirming the administration's commitment to Catholic religious freedom. He also issued a strong condemnation of rising antisemitism, calling it an "affront to the Sacred Heart of Jesus."

Faith & Global Advocacy

  • Claire Lai: The daughter of imprisoned Hong Kong pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai, she thanked the U.S. for its support and expressed hope that the current administration would help facilitate her father’s release from what many call "trumped-up" national security charges.

  • Pope Leo XIV: A message from the Vatican was read by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, emphasizing the biblical tradition of praying for those in authority and the Church's mission to unite all people to God.

Culture & Innovation

  • Jonathan Roumie: The actor known for playing Jesus in The Chosen shared how the role has deepened his personal humility and dependence on grace, describing his acting work as a form of prayer.

    "You realize this isn't just a memory; it is the heart of our faith—that God would enter our suffering and offer Himself completely out of love." He then prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet with the attendees. 

  • Award Recipients: The event concluded by honoring the founders of the Hallow prayer app (Alex Jones, Erich Kerekes, and Alessandro DiSanto) with the Christifideles Laici Award for their contributions to digital ministry.

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