"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," the archbishop wrote.
"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," Gregory added.
The White House soon responded to the archbishop; Deere told the Washington Post that "It's shameful for anyone to call themselves a person of faith yet question the President's own deeply-held faith or motives for going to mark an important milestone for Catholics."
"President Trump's visit gave comfort and hope to Catholics in this country and all over the world that this President is a man of God who will always protect the sanctity of life and promote religious freedom."
On June 5, Gregory addressed the controversy during an online panel sponsored by Georgetown University.
"That shrine is a holy place because of the man that it honors," Gregory said, and it never should have been used as a "political statement."
After some Catholics criticized Gregory's outspoken response, he said Friday that he found the reactions "reminiscent, in my mind, to the criticism that people gave to Catholic priests and nuns that they saw marching during the civil rights period."
The Archdiocese of Washington has not responded to requests for comment from CNA.
J.D.Flynn served as Catholic News Agency's editor-in-chief from August 2017 to December 2020.