Cardinal Nichols praises enactment of Modern Slavery Bill

(Vatican Radio) Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster, has praised the enactment of the Modern Slavery Bill, which became law in Britain on Thursday. The new law allows for life-sentences for human traffickers, as well as authorizing the seizing of their assets and compensation for their victims.

“ While no Act can cover everything in the serious criminal activity of human trafficking and modern slavery, which abuses vulnerable people, the enhanced support and protection for victims is particularly to be welcomed,” Cardinal Nichols said.

“Along with many others, the Catholic Church through the Bakhita Initiative and the Santa Marta Group where police chiefs and the Church work together internationally is committed to working towards the eradication of modern slavery,” the Cardinal continued. “As Pope Francis said at the launch of the Santa Marta Group last year in the Vatican, the crime of trafficking and modern slavery is a crime against humanity; a wound on the body of Christ.”