The cardinal considered it “highly significant” that Francis’ letter is dated April 4—the anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

The committee chairmen also said that withdrawal of the bill "must not end our nation's efforts to improve health care."

Bishop Thomas Tobin, who has previously criticized Francis, posted a Facebook message entitled "Three Reasons Not to Give to Panhandlers" on Tuesday.

Catholic bishops in Congo have abandoned attempts to arrange a government-opposition power-sharing agreement, amid rising violence.

The church hopes to produce more involvement in the church of its second largest and fastest growing community.

Bishop Castro has come under attack from politicians and public officials upset for voicing suspicions of corruption in Morelos, Mexico. The threats, he says, are not dissuading him, though the publicity is causing discomfort.