Thousand protested against the Russian invasion of UKraine and demanded greater action by Western powers at a rally where the apostolic nuncio offered prayers for peace.
Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, the pope’s representative in Great Britain since 2020, joined Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, Eparch of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the UK, Archbishop Angaelos of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and other clerics at the rally in Trafalgar Square.
He said that he brought “to all Ukrainians present the solidarity and closeness of Pope Francis”. “His heart and his prayers are with your beloved homeland,” the nuncio told the crowd. “Today we are all Ukrainian, all in solidarity with you.”
“We pray fervently to God to convert the hearts of those who want war,” he said. “We cannot think that in 2022 people can be destroyed as at the time of caves. Where is the reason? Where is the heart? Where is the faith? Where is progress?
“God says: I do not want your prayers when you kill, because the living man is the glory of God, who wants love, not war. Holy Mother of God, save us,” he concluded.
Archbishop Gugerotti then repeated the prayer in Ukrainian. He is familiar with the country, having served as nuncio there prior to his posting to London. He was previously nuncio to Belarus, and to Georgia and Armenia.
Archbishop Angaelos also expressed his solidarity with Ukraine, saying that Lent could not be an “academic exercise” when there was so much to pray for. “There are no winners in war,” he said, “everyone who is here is here because of someone who is suffering.”
The prayers began the protest shortly after noon, on the tenth day after the Russian invasion on 24 February. Other speakers included the author Edward Lucas and the journalist Paul Mason, who called for action from the British government against Russian money in London, and financial and practical support for Ukraine.
Ukrainian protesters demanded supplies for their forces, and a no-fly zone over their country. A dozen held a long sign in front of the speakers reading: “When the last Ukrainian soldier falls, Putin will come for you, ladies and gents.” Waving lurid placards condemning Putin as a war criminal, they chanted “Stand with Ukraine!” and “Arm Ukraine!”
“Instead of Nato defending Ukraine, Ukraine is defending Nato,” said one.
Besides many Ukrainian flags, members of the crowd carried Union flags and those of Poland, Georgia, Belarus, and the European Union. Ukrainian colours flew from Canada House, the residence of the Canadian High Commission on Trafalgar Square. The Ukrainian diaspora has a significant presence in Canada.
Loading ...
