Correct Answer: callous

Solution : The correct choice is the second option.

The word callous describes someone who is emotionally insensitive, unfeeling, or indifferent to the suffering of others. It aligns with the idea of lacking sympathy and having an uncaring attitude. In the context of the sentence, the Bishop criticises the Government for being callous, implying that they show a lack of compassion and concern towards the homeless and the unemployed.

The meanings of the other options are as follows:

• Merciful means showing mercy and compassion but not capturing the negative connotation of the government's behaviour.
• Tender means gentle and caring, but it may not fully convey the negative aspect of the government's alleged attitude.
• Compassionate means feeling or showing compassion, similar to "tender," and not emphasising the negative aspect of the government's criticised behaviour.