Mr Boehner made the decision while praying on Friday morning - a day after hosting Pope Francis at Congress. Fighting back tears, the 65-year-old said at a news conference that "turmoil" over his leadership would do lasting damage to the House. Mr Boehner has been under pressure from the conservative wing of his party ever since he took the job in 2011. He suggested a private moment with the pontiff was partly behind the decision. "The Pope puts his arm around me and kind a pulls me to him, and says 'please pray for me'. Well, who am I to pray for the pope, but I did."