Holy See expresses regret over Olympic Ceremony depictions in statement

In a written statement, the Holy See addressed the controversial depictions in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris.

The statement highlights:

“The Holy See regrets certain depictions in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris and can only join those who have condemned the offense against many Christians and believers of other religions in recent days. In an event full of prestige, uniting the whole planet around common values, there should be no innuendo that ridicules the religious beliefs of many people. Freedom of expression, which is certainly not in question, meets its limits in respecting others.”

In Italy, however, many commentators have noted that the Holy See chose to address the issue many days after the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris and without a direct intervention by Pope Francis.

Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas