Washington — House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., dismissed the Rev. Patrick Conroy this month as chaplain of the chamber, an unusual decision that angered some of the Jesuit priest’s allies in Congress.

Ryan made no mention of the reasons behind Conroy’s ouster in an April 16 announcement, leaving the impression among most lawmakers that the priest was leaving voluntarily. The speaker called Conroy “a great source of strength and support to our community. He is deeply admired by members and staff.”

But the issue blew up in recent days as lawmakers began to speak to the chaplain, whose public role is to offer the opening prayer each day the House is in session — but whose private role, far more importantly, is to serve as pastoral counsel to the entire community on the House side of the Capitol.

The issue also has split Ryan and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Pelosi, according to a senior aide, disagreed with the decision and told Ryan that she had heard only good things about Conroy.

Ryan’s office disputed that Pelosi opposed the decision, suggesting that Ryan would not have taken the action if Pelosi fully objected.

“While it was the speaker’s decision, she and her office were fully read in, and did not object,” AshLee Strong, Ryan’s spokeswoman, said in a statement.

In his letter of resignation, Conroy made clear that he was leaving at Ryan’s request.

“As you have requested, I hereby offer my resignation as the 60th chaplain of the United States House of Representatives,” Conroy wrote to Ryan on April 16.

“I have seen it as a blessing and I have considered it one of the great privileges of my life,” he added.

Approached on Thursday about Ryan’s decision, Conroy said he did not want to talk in the media about the matter, declining further comment.

After consulting with Ryan’s staff, Conroy set May 24 as his last day in office. At Wednesday’s House GOP caucus, Ryan announced that Rep. Douglas Collins, R-Ga., would lead a bipartisan committee to recommend a replacement for Conroy.

During Thursday evening votes, after news broke of Conroy’s dismissal, lawmakers in both parties voiced concern, particularly Catholics. “Well, I still don’t understand why he was asked to leave,” said Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-N.J., citing several possible reasons that might placate his anger at the decision. “I have gotten to know him pretty well and I didn’t understand it.”

Sensitivities began to escalate as lawmakers talked about the type of replacement needed for Conroy. Rep. Mark Walker, R-N.C., part of the group searching for the next chaplain, suggested someone “that has adult children, that kind of can connect with the bulk” of lawmakers and the problems they face with children who “made some bad decisions” or a spouse upset about the legislative schedule.

“Having someone who’s walked in those shoes, I think, allows you to immediately relate a little bit more than others,” Walker told reporters.