NewsFrench Catholics call for global rosary to protest Olympic ceremony

French Catholics call for global rosary to protest Olympic ceremony

They will pray for the opening of the games.
They will pray for the opening of the games.
Images source: © Press materials

2 August 2024 09:11

French Catholics are appealing to believers around the world to participate in the public recitation of the rosary. It is meant to make amends to God for the events of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris, related to the alleged parody of the "Last Supper."

The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris was a source of not only great artistic excitement but also many controversies. The greatest controversy was related to the alleged interpretation of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting "The Last Supper."

Widespread outrage was caused by a scene in which, among others, drag queens, an almost naked man, and an LGBTQ activist were seated at a long table. The whole scene reminded Catholics of the aforementioned "Last Supper." However, the organizers argued that they intended to present a new interpretation of "The Feast of the Gods," painted by Jan van Biljert.

This explanation, however, did not convince the outraged, and Catholic organizations from around the world deemed this artistic vision blasphemous. For this reason, French Catholics have launched a special initiative.

They will recite the rosary for the opening ceremony of the games

They encourage participation in the public recitation of the rosary, which will take place today, August 2. The rosary is intended to atone for the parody of Jesus Christ and the apostles during the opening ceremony of the games.

Organizers are calling for the rosary to be recited in public places – this can take place both on the streets and in places where there are chapels or roadside crosses. Some French dioceses are also joining the action, organizing rosary prayers in specific churches throughout the country.

See also