Patrick J. Conroy SJ (born October 31, 1950) is an American lawyer and a Jesuit priest who served as the 60th Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives.

[5][6][7] Approximately two weeks later, Conroy rescinded his resignation and announced his intention to remain in the role after objections to Ryan's actions were raised by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

When his parents divorced in 1958, he moved with his mother to Arlington, Virginia, living there until midway through his sophomore year in high school.

[1] While at Georgetown, Conroy – then universally known as "Father Pat" – was director of ESCAPE, a special student retreat program.

[13] Although described as non-religious (and therefore open to all students) the program "grows out of Georgetown's Catholic traditions ... Jesuit education is not designed to force you into a way of life imposed from the outside, but to help you discover in yourself what it is that gives you the most meaning, the most peace and the most joy", Conroy explained.

[13] On the occasion of Conroy's 25th anniversary of his ordination as a priest, the Northwest Province of the Society of Jesus used these words to describe him: "Pat's talent for connecting with people is legendary.

"[14] Prior to his selection as House Chaplain, he had been teaching freshman theology and coaching JV II softball[15] at Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon, since 2004.

[16] Information on the website for the Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives includes a description of Conroy's experience as a lawyer: "During his years of training, Fr.

[18] He consulted House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who "also knows and trusts Jesuits via the University of San Francisco and having sent her son to Georgetown.

This opportunity to serve is an extraordinary gift, and I hope to be worthy of the trust the Speaker of the House and the Minority Leader are extending to me.

I am also humbled by the confidence my Jesuit superiors are demonstrating in making me available to answer this call to serve the People's House.

"[19]Conroy said that Jesuit spirituality focuses on making good decisions, based on the writings of St. Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century.

[21] On May 11, Pelosi announced she was "reconsidering" support when it was revealed that the group for which Conroy worked had paid $166 million for more than 400 claims of child sexual abuse.

[16] The Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus paid the largest sex-abuse settlement of any order in the Roman Catholic Church.

[24] Supporters of Conroy insisted he should be judged on the fact that he was never accused of abuse or molestation, not on past problems associated with others within the group.

"[16] The views of many were summed up in the statement made in a May 11 report that, "It would be a shame if the first Jesuit House chaplain is denied confirmation due to guilt by association with events that did not involve him, not even in the most tangential way.

"[17] After a flurry of news reports, Drew Hamill, a spokesman for Pelosi, made the statement that "Father Conroy has responded to additional questions" and "the leader sees no obstacle to him being named chaplain.

"[28][29] Approximately two weeks later, Conroy rescinded his resignation and announced his intention to remain in the role after objections to Ryan's actions were raised by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.