The Vatican expressed its deep sorrow on Saturday regarding certain scenes that were presented during the opening ceremony of the Olympics, which they stated gave significant “offence” to Christians. This comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding a particular segment of the ceremony, which some observers believe lampooned the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, a pivotal event in Christian theology where Jesus shared his final meal with his apostles before his crucifixion.
The opening show held on July 26 featured a scene that included dancers and individuals dressed as drag queens. Some critics pointed out that this depiction bore a striking resemblance to the famous portrayals of the Last Supper, stirring considerable debate and backlash. While the event’s organizers have clarified that their intention was to depict a pagan feast led by Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, this explanation has done little to quell the widespread criticism and disapproval that has followed.
The Vatican released a statement in French, expressing, “The Holy See was saddened by certain scenes at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games and can only join the voices that have been raised in recent days to deplore the offence given to many Christians and believers of other religions.” The statement further emphasized that in a prestigious international event where people come together to celebrate common values, there should not be any allusions that ridicule or belittle the religious beliefs held by many individuals. Additionally, the Vatican highlighted that “freedom of expression… finds its limit in respect for others,” underlining the need for sensitivity in artistic expression.
Earlier in the week, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, whose political roots align with an Islamic-based party, announced that he would reach out to Pope Francis to voice his disapproval of the ceremony. He described the presentation as showing “immorality against all Christians,” indicating that the sentiments were shared across different cultures and religions. Criticism has also emerged from various influential figures, including former US President Donald Trump, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and a collective of French bishops, all of whom have expressed their dismay at what they view as a “mockery of Christianity.”
While the Vatican did not specify which particular scenes from the opening ceremony were most objectionable, the primary focus of the controversy appears to be a segment entitled “Festivity.” This segment commenced with a group of dancers and drag queens gathered around a long table, which evoked further reactions from those watching. The artistic director of the show, Thomas Jolly, has publicly stated that his aim was to “send a message of love, a message of inclusion,” which he felt was essential to the spirit of the event.
In response to the backlash, Anne Descamps, spokeswoman for the Games’ organizing committee, addressed the criticisms on Sunday, stating, “If people have taken any offence, we are of course really, really sorry.” This acknowledgment points to the committee’s awareness of the varied interpretations of their artistic choices and their willingness to engage in a dialogue regarding the impact those choices have had on diverse audiences.
