Catholic bishops whose dioceses cover portions of Maryland said their state "is not immune from this tragic reality."

"The racial divide in the United States and, sadly, in the Catholic Church in the United States is not something of the past. It is very much something of the present," the bishop said.

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.