Pope’s visit brings tears for Speaker

Speaker John Boehner struggled to hold back tears during Pope Francis’s visit to Capitol Hill Thursday, with the moment carrying a deep personal significance for him.

Boehner, a lifelong Catholic who has tried inviting three popes to speak before Congress over his more than 20 years in the House, finally succeeded after extending an offer to Francis last year.

An overwhelmed and teary John Boehner is trying to keep it together http://t.co/cnDslucFfA pic.twitter.com/alBwpAPTFb

— Mark W. Smith (@markdubya) September 24, 2015

The Ohio Republican appeared nervous as he shook his arms back and forth while waiting for the pontiff to enter his ceremonial office off the House floor. He told people waiting in the room that the visit was a “big deal” for him.

“Your holiness, welcome, really glad that you’re here,” Boehner told Francis as he entered the room.

Boehner’s eyes moistened as the pope told him he was glad to be there, too.

The Speaker told the pope his staff urged him to wear a green tie for the occasion. Francis, through an interpreter, told Boehner, “it’s a tie with the color of hope.”

“I need a lot of hope today,” Boehner replied.

Prayed for the Pope most every day growing up. This was a humbling moment. https://t.co/q7r0aPeEia

— Speaker John Boehner (@SpeakerBoehner) September 24, 2015

After his address to Congress, Francis stepped onto an outdoor platform to address the crowd gathered on the Capitol’s West Lawn. Boehner, standing close behind the pope, appeared to be overcome with emotion, dabbing his eyes with a handkerchief.

“I’m so grateful for your presence here. … And I ask you all please, to pray for me, and if there are among you any who do not believe, or cannot pray, I ask you please to send good wishes my way,” Francis told the crowd.

“Thank you very much, and God bless America.”

The day presented a temporary reprieve for Boehner, whose grip on the Speakership has come into question over the last month with a looming government shutdown threat.

—Jordain Carney contributed.