Bishop Michael M. Pham, who was born in Vietnam, is the new Pope's first U.S. diocesan appointment.

The high court's 4-4 ruling means that a decision by the Oklahoma Supreme Court will stand for now.

"Raising income taxes on the working poor, cutting nutrition and healthcare programs for those most in need, and eliminating investments in environmental stewardship would place a terrible burden on the least of our brothers and sisters,” said Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio in a statement.