“We are convinced that no public good is served by this unprecedented nationwide mandate," said the general counsel to the U.S. bishops' conference.
Migration refroms discussed among Catholic leaders focus on protecting Central American and Haitian migrants.
Rio Summit looks at environmental goals from 20 year distance.
House Republicans passed a 2013 budget reconciliation package that included cuts in social services despite an appeal from the U.S. bishops.
The figure was below the number of 62 million reported in 2000, but the difference is due to a change in the way data was collected.