Some of the images from the opening of the Olympic Games in Paris were heavenly – for example, the Last Supper. But not everyone shared the edification: the Vatican is “not amused”.
The Catholic Church has strongly criticized the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris. “Unfortunately, this ceremony also included scenes in which Christianity was mocked and ridiculed, which we deeply regret,” said a statement from the French Bishops’ Conference. The Church did not specify what it specifically disliked.
Apparently, one scene in particular triggered strong reactions, reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting “The Last Supper”, which depicts the last meal of Jesus Christ with his apostles. At the opening ceremony, however, the apostles were portrayed by drag queens, a transgender model and an almost naked singer:
Catholic Church sees scenes at Olympic opening ceremony as provocation
Criticism also came from conservative and far-right politicians in France. For example, Senator for the bourgeois-conservative Républicains, Valérie Boyer, spoke of a “vision of our history (…) that aims to ridicule Christians”.
Olympics 2024
The pictures from Paris – this is how the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games went
“We thank the members of other religious denominations who have expressed their solidarity with us. This morning we think of all Christians on every continent who have been hurt by the exaggeration and provocation of some scenes,” the bishops’ conference said. “We hope that they understand that the Olympic festival unfolds far beyond the ideological preferences of some artists.”
Source: Stern
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