WASHINGTON, D.C. - The chaplain for the U.S. House of Representatives has been forced to resign, according to Massachusetts Congressman William Keating.

Speaking on WBSM's Chris McCarthy Show, Keating said House Speaker Paul Ryan has asked Father Patrick J. Conroy to resign.

"Word has just broken here (Washington, D.C.) this morning that Speaker Ryan's chief went down and said 'you either resign or we're firing you," said Rep. Keating. "This is something that, when we're trying to bring people together, is there nothing sacred?"

A reason for the call for Fr. Conroy's resignation was not immediately available.

Rep. Keating described Fr. Conroy as a "wonderful man" who has "been there for people in many ways, counseling people and helping them."

Keating says to his knowledge, the call for the resignation of a Chaplain of the House of Representatives has never happened before.

Fr. Conroy is the 60th Chaplain of the House of Representatives, and was sworn in on May 25, 2011. He is 67 years old. Conroy will reportedly be stepping down from his post in May.

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