The Vatican belatedly weighed in on the opening ceremony of the Olympics, saying it was "saddened" by a specific segment.
The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics featured a pagan feast, which drew comparisons to Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" painting. The segment involved dancers, drag queens, a transgender model, and a nude performer.
"The Holy See was saddened by certain scenes at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games and cannot but join the voices raised in recent days to deplore the offence done to many Christians and believers of other religions," the Vatican stated in an announcement.
The Vatican expressed disappointment and sadness over the segment, emphasizing that such events should avoid religious mockery and respect beliefs.
Religious leaders, politicians, and public figures also criticized and condemned the segment for its perceived disrespect towards religious beliefs.
The organizers and the International Olympic Committee later apologized, stating there was no intent to disrespect any religious group.
The artistic director of the opening ceremony faced backlash and death threats following the controversy.
Sources: Newsweek, Sky News, Fox News, WION, Inquirer, Charlotte Observer, Deccan Chronicle, KION, Daily Mail, Devdiscourse, Daily Journal, Catholic Herald.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.
