Boehner Chokes Up While Talking About His Resignation And The Pope (VIDEO)

House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Sept. 25, 2015. In a stunning move, Boehner informed fellow Republicans on Friday that he would resign from Co... House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Sept. 25, 2015. In a stunning move, Boehner informed fellow Republicans on Friday that he would resign from Congress at the end of October, stepping aside in the face of hardline conservative opposition that threatened an institutional crisis. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) MORE LESS
Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) was overcome with emotion during a Friday press conference while announcing his upcoming resignation and sharing an anecdote about his meeting with Pope Francis the day before.

Boehner, who wept in front of cameras during the pope’s speech on Thursday, said the experience was “emotional.” But he said it was another moment that took place out of view of the press that really moved him.

“As the pope and I were getting ready to exit the building, we found ourselves alone. And the pope grabbed my left arm and said some really nice things to me about my commitment to kids and education,” Boehner said. “The pope put his arm around me and kind of pulled me to him and said, ‘Please pray for me.’ Well who am I to pray for the pope?”

Boehner teared up, and a flurry of clicking camera shutters captured the moment.

The speaker appeared much more sanguine about his upcoming resignation, saying he was “thinking about walking out the door anyway.”

Latest Livewire
Comments
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Associate Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: