Pope Francis’s Visit to Congress: A Catalyst for Change on Capitol Hill

An audience with the pope marks a noteworthy occasion, but the day following Pope Francis’s visit reshaped Congress in unexpected ways.

On September 24, 2015, Pope Francis addressed a Joint Meeting of Congress in Washington, D.C. This momentous event made history, as he became the first pope to deliver a speech from the House chamber. The pope holds the unique position of head of state, representing the Vatican City and the Holy See, enhancing the significance of his visit.

During his address, lawmakers responded with enthusiastic applause, offering him two standing ovations. Key figures witnessing this historic moment seated behind the pope included then Vice President Joe Biden and former House Speaker John Boehner from Ohio. Biden, in his capacity as Vice President, served as President of the Senate while Boehner operated as the Constitutional officer of the legislative branch.

Notably, Boehner found himself emotionally moved during the 3,400-word speech, dabbing his eyes with a handkerchief. Pope Francis’s message urged lawmakers to engage with one another and their constituents with dignity and respect.

The pontiff highlighted a pressing concern, stating, “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.’” His plea resonated deeply within the political arena.

Organizers meticulously choreographed the event. Congressional staff affixed small green strips of tape to the marble floors of the Capitol, marking the positions of key political leaders as they escorted the pope. Names like “McCarthy,” “Pelosi,” and “McConnell” appeared on the tape, reflecting the intricate planning behind the event.

A duct-taped “X” designated where Pope Francis would stop to bless the statue of Junipero Serra in Statuary Hall. The day before, he canonized Serra, making him the first American saint declared on U.S. soil. The statue depicted Serra holding a cross in his right hand, gazing upward.

The signage around the Capitol directed Pope Francis’s movements, including an arrow pointing toward the Speaker’s Office.

As the pope and his entourage approached Boehner’s office, they made their way to the Speaker’s Balcony, which overlooks the West Front of the Capitol and the National Mall. A large crowd gathered on the Capitol grounds to witness the moment.

Pope Francis greeted the onlookers with a warm “Buenos dias,” reminiscent of his Sunday blessings from the “Pope’s Window” at the Vatican. Expressing gratitude for their presence, he blessed the crowd, who chanted, “Papa! Papa!”

Upon his arrival, the pope met Boehner in the Speaker’s ceremonial office, creating a personal moment away from the political spotlight. Nervously pacing on the historic Minton Tiles, Boehner remarked with a smile, “He’s on Boehner time, which is on time.”

Embodying tradition, Boehner donned his signature Kelly green tie for the occasion. This vintage piece dates back to his earlier years in the Ohio state legislature, symbolizing hope. When the pope arrived, he admired the tie, noting its color instilled a sense of optimism.

In the days following their encounter, Boehner shared an emotional recollection of what occurred privately as they prepared to exit the Capitol. “We found ourselves alone,” he recalled. The pope placed his arm around Boehner and requested, “Please pray for me.” Boehner, surprised by the request, humbly accepted this task.

After departing the Capitol that day, Boehner found himself transformed. His meeting with Pope Francis prompted profound introspection, leading to his decision to step down from his position the very next morning.

Sources close to Boehner revealed he had long sought to leave his post. However, his plans faced setbacks following the shocking primary defeat of his potential successor, former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, in 2014.

By late July 2015, preparations for a potential move to vacate Boehner’s leadership position brewed amidst increasing tension within the party. Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows introduced a motion aiming to challenge Boehner’s position, a tactic previously unused in Congress.

Meadows’s resolution arrived just before the August recess, allowing Boehner a month to contemplate his future amid brewing discontent.

On the evening following the papal visit, Boehner informed his chief of staff, Mike Sommers, of his intent to resign. He also shared this news with his wife, Debbie. The decision came after a moment of clarity, ignited by his morning prayers.

When Boehner announced his resignation to the House Republican Conference, shockwaves rippled through Washington. He emphasized his primary duty as speaker was to protect the institution, recognizing that ongoing leadership turmoil would inflict lasting harm.

Boehner’s unexpected departure triggered a leadership crisis that would shape the future of the House. Many anticipated that former House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy would quickly ascend to the role. However, McCarthy’s withdrawal from the speaker race before a formal vote stunned his colleagues.

McCarthy’s resignation led to weeks of political turmoil, leading to Paul Ryan eventually stepping in as a reluctant leader. Ryan’s initial resistance to the position indicated the ongoing uncertainty within the party.

As Ryan maintained his role as speaker until early 2019, the Democratic Party returned to power following the 2018 midterm elections. Nancy Pelosi reclaimed her former position, only for Republicans to regain the House in the 2022 midterms. However, their control remained tenuous.

The tumultuous events surrounding McCarthy’s speakership in early 2023 echoed the uncertainty that began with Boehner’s resignation. Following a motion by Matt Gaetz, McCarthy ultimately lost his position as speaker, thrusting the House into chaos once again.

This series of leadership transitions highlighted the instability that emerged after Boehner’s encounter with the pope. The current speaker, Mike Johnson, faces ongoing challenges, often reminding observers of the precarious balance of power within the House.

Reflecting on the past, the struggles for leadership within the House post-Boehner signify more than just a political evolution; they represent an ongoing narrative of power dynamics that continues to play out. The phrase “white smoke” now symbolizes not only papal elections but also the search for stability within the House of Representatives.

The events that unfolded on the day after Pope Francis addressed Congress remain monumental within the context of American politics. Boehner’s abrupt resignation ushered in a period marked by fluctuations in leadership, forever intertwining his legacy with that of the Holy Father. As new speakers take the stage in the future, the shadow of their predecessors and the echo of that fateful encounter will linger in the corridors of Capitol Hill.