The portrayal of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous artwork, The Last Supper, by drag queens at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris has sparked strong reactions.
Thousands of comments on social media are condemning this portrayal.
Several representatives of other religions have also expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that it was an insult to the faith of Christian Catholics. However, the reaction of the French Catholic Church has been particularly notable.
As reported by protothema.gr, a statement was issued emphasizing that while the ceremony offered wonderful moments to the entire world, it also included scenes mocking Christianity, for which they expressed “deep regret.”
“We are thinking of all the Christians on every continent who have been hurt by the outrageousness and provocation of certain scenes,” the statement said.
In the same statement, they mentioned the “ideological biases of a few artists.”
Read here the full statement issued by the French Bishops’ Conference (CEF)
In the run-up to the Paris Games, the Holy Games project, inspired by the Roman Catholic Church, has been mobilizing a large number of Catholics for almost three years, to share the sporting and popular fervor surrounding the Paris Games, this magnificent event organized by our country.
Last week, we were delighted to host the opening mass of the Olympic truce, in the presence of numerous religious, political and sporting figures.
We believe that the values and principles expressed and disseminated by sport and Olympism contribute to the need for unity and fraternity that our world so desperately needs, while respecting everyone’s convictions, around the sport that brings us together and promotes peace among nations and hearts.
Last night’s opening ceremony, organized by the French COJOP, offered the world a marvelous display of beauty and joy, rich in emotion and universally acclaimed.
This ceremony unfortunately included scenes of mockery and derision of Christianity, which we deeply regret. We would like to thank the members of other religious denominations who have expressed their solidarity with us.
This morning, we are thinking of all the Christians on every continent who have been hurt by the outrageousness and provocation of certain scenes. We want them to understand that the Olympic celebration goes far beyond the ideological biases of a few artists.
Sport is a wonderful human activity that deeply delights the hearts of athletes and spectators alike. Olympism is a movement at the service of this reality of human unity and fraternity. Now it’s time to take to the field, and may it bring truth, consolation and joy to all!
Paris Games Opening ceremony : press release from the French Bishops’ Conference and @holygames2024 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/tLHMCqwH08
— Église catholique en France (@Eglisecatho) July 27, 2024
