House Speaker John Boehner turns down invitation to Pope Francis' installation

WASHINGTON -  House Speaker John Boehner says he's turning down President Barack Obama's invitation to be in the U.S. delegation to the installation of Pope Francis.

The Ohio Republican from West Chester says in a statement that he'd like to go, but it's impossible with his duties including the budget debate and hosting the Irish prime minister at the Capitol.

Vice President Joe Biden, the first Roman Catholic elected vice president, is leading the delegation. Boehner's office said that after Obama spoke to House Republicans Wednesday, the president invited Boehner, who is Catholic, to accompany Biden.

Boehner says he is grateful for the invitation. He wished the vice president well and said he hopes Biden will send prayers and warm regards from all Americans, especially Catholics, to the first pope from the Americas.

Boehner issued the following statement Wednesday celebrating the election of Pope Francis: 

“Thanks be to God for our new pope, Francis I.  American Catholics rejoice over this news, and offer our prayers and blessings to His Holiness with confidence that he will fill the Chair of St. Peter with grace.  Even more special is that our church will be led for the first time by a Holy Father from the Americas, marking a new milestone in the history of a faith that has endured for millennia.  For me, it is truly inspiring that our new pope has taken the name of Francis, the saint who lived a simple life of humility and charity, setting an example for how to make God’s love visible to all, especially those in despair or pain.”