The Pope agrees with Cardinal Nichols' criticisms of welfare reforms, nuncio tells bishops

The Apostolic Nuncio to Britain told the bishops of England and Wales that Pope Francis personally supports Cardinal Vincent Nichols over his criticism earlier this year of the Government’s welfare reforms. Addressing the bishops' plenary meeting in Leeds this week, Archbishop Antonio Mennini said that he and Pope Francis agreed with Cardinal Nichols’ criticism in February that the impact of welfare cuts on the country’s poorest was “a disgrace”. The nuncio also urged the English and Welsh bishops to step up opposition to the Assisted Dying Bill drawn up by Lord Falconer of Thoroton, which is due to be debated in the House of Lords in the coming weeks. Read the full address below: Dear brother bishops, dear friends in Christ, I am glad to be with you today