House Chaplain on Jan. 6, Pro-Choice Catholicism

In his decade as chaplain of the U.S. House, the Rev. Pat Conroy tried to summon higher forces in support of those working in Congress. The smiley Jesuit did that through spiritual counseling and the regular prayers he offered in the chamber. But by Jan. 6, 2021, Conroy felt the weight of growing division in the Capitol and a political culture that he feels has erased time for reflection and transformed politicians from respected leaders into hired guns. The role of a spiritual guide in the building has become less clear, he says.