LIVONIA — Former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner will give the commencement address to Madonna University’s graduates May 7, the Catholic university announced.

The former speaker and Ohio representative, who resigned Congress in October 2015, was invited to speak because of his “long-standing support of education, particularly his commitment to Catholic education at all levels,” said Madonna president Michael A. Grandillo, Ph.D., in a March 31 statement.

“The entire Madonna community is extremely honored that he has agreed to take part in this exciting day that celebrates the success of our students,” Grandillo said.

Boehner, a Republican, served as U.S. House majority leader from 2006-07 and minority leader from 2007-11 before ascending to the speakership in 2012. Overall, Boehner served 24 years in Congress for Ohio’s 8th congressional district.

A lifelong Catholic, Boehner was instrumental along with Vice President Joe Biden in welcoming Pope Francis to the U.S. Capitol in 2015, where the pontiff gave a historic speech before a joint session of Congress.

“As a university whose values reflect the spirit of St. Francis, we greatly appreciate John Boehner’s efforts to honor Pope Francis, who personifies those values for all Catholics,” Grandillo said.

Madonna’s commencement exercises will take place at 10:30 a.m. for master’s and doctoral students and 2 p.m. for undergraduates at the Suburban Collection Showplace, Hall C, in Novi.