by Meghna Kumar

On Friday, September 25, John Boehner resigned from his position as Speaker of the House.

Boehner claims to have been planning his resignation since last year, but postponed it in fear of causing troubles for the Republican-dominated House of Representatives. His official announcement was made after a visit by Pope Francis to Capitol Hill.

Many members of the House have stated that they are “shocked” by Boehner’s decision and are somber to see him go after his six-year tenure as Speaker of the House. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy has announced that he will be running to replace John Boehner and Boehner has approved of this decision. Representative Steve Womack, a Republican from Arkansas, has stated that “if there was ever a time to resign, it is now.” (CNN)

Any ulterior reasons for Boehner’s resignation have yet to be identified.