A Memorable Visit to Washington

On September 24, 2015, Pope Francis made history as the first pope to address a Joint Meeting of Congress in Washington, D.C. This momentous event marked a significant intersection of religion and politics, with the pope, as head of state of the Vatican City, delivering a compelling address that emphasized dignity and respect in governance.

Applause echoed throughout the House chamber, punctuated by two standing ovations, as lawmakers listened intently. Noteworthy figures present included then Vice President Joe Biden and former House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, who visibly moved during the address.

The Message of Unity

Pope Francis’s speech, consisting of roughly 3,400 words, urged legislators to rise above partisanship. He stated, “We need to avoid a common temptation nowadays. To discard whatever proves troublesome. Let us remember the Golden Rule: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’” This pivotal message resonated with the audience, largely composed of politicians embroiled in contentious debates.

Behind the Scenes: The Logistics of Papal Visits

The preparations for the pope’s arrival were meticulous, involving the placement of green tape on the Capitol’s marble floors to guide congressional leaders during the event. This strategic arrangement was emblematic of the political choreography surrounding the historic visit.

One specific highlight was Pope Francis’s canonization of Junipero Serra the day prior to his address. The pope recognized Serra as the first American saint canonized on U.S. soil, blessing a statue of him that stands in Statuary Hall.

A Transformative Encounter

Following the address, Pope Francis and Speaker Boehner had a brief but impactful interaction in the Speaker’s office. In a moment described by Boehner, the pope placed his arm around him and asked, “Please pray for me.” Boehner recalled this moment as deeply humbling, which appeared to catalyze a change in his position and future decisions regarding leadership.

Boehner’s Resignation and Its Consequences

Remarkably, less than 24 hours after his encounter with the pope, Boehner announced his intention to resign from the speakership. This unexpected decision sent shockwaves through Washington, as Boehner expressed concerns that ongoing leadership strife was endangering the institution.

His resignation triggered a tumultuous phase in the House of Representatives, leading to a fierce leadership scramble. Initially, then House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy was the frontrunner, but he unexpectedly withdrew from contention due to a lack of support, marking the beginning of significant instability in the Republican leadership.

A Legacy of Uncertainty

The ripple effects of Boehner’s resignation were profound. As the Republican Party struggled to stabilize, Paul Ryan eventually stepped into the role of Speaker, albeit reluctantly. His leadership was marked by challenges that would shape the House’s dynamics for years to come.

Fast forward to 2023, the chair of the House remained volatile, reflecting ongoing divisions within the party. The election and subsequent ousting of Speaker Kevin McCarthy illustrated the lingering ramifications of leadership issues initiated during Boehner’s tenure.