Britain’s recent decision to approve legislation allowing the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda has sparked condemnation from humanitarian organizations including CAFOD, the aid agency for the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

Reacting to the approval by the British Parliament early on Tuesday of legislation to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda, CAFOD said it is a “disappointment on many levels”.

Speaking to Vatican Radio/Vatican News, Neil Thorns described the plan as lacking in compassion and international responsibility.

“At CAFOD, we are disappointed that this bill has gone ahead and we’re disappointed on a number of levels. I don’t think it shows the care and compassion which Pope Francis – and others – call for us to give to those who are fleeing situations of conflict and distress,” he said.

Listen to the interview with Neil Thorns

Not only did Thorns highlight the failure of the legislation to heed Christian values and the Pope’s call to “Welcome, Protect, Integrate and Promote” our brothers and sisters on the move, but he also emphasized the disconnect between the bill and the sentiments of the British people, noting the widespread welcome extended to refugees from regions like Ukraine.

“Where we’ve seen people coming from Ukraine or other countries, people have welcomed those refugees,” Thorns remarked, adding “I don’t think it reflects the mood and the situation of the country.”