NewsThe opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics was criticized for mocking Christianity

The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics was criticized for mocking Christianity

The most controversy was stirred by the artistic part of the event, which included references to the painting "The Last Supper"

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ed. Paweł Buczkowski

27 July 2024 14:13

The opening ceremony of the games "contained scenes of mockery and derision towards Christianity, which we deeply regret," reads the statement from the Conference of the Bishops of France after Friday's event's opening.

Representatives of the French church spoke out after the opening of the Olympic Games in Paris. The most controversy was aroused by the artistic part of the event, which featured references to the painting "The Last Supper," which depicts Jesus's meeting with his disciples just before the crucifixion.

"We believe that the values and principles expressed and disseminated through sport and the Olympic Games contribute to this need for unity and brotherhood, which our world so desperately needs, with respect for everyone's beliefs. Around the sport that brings us together and fosters peace among nations and hearts," reads the statement from the Conference of the Bishops of France.

As the bishops reminded, last week, a mass was held for peace during the games, with the participation of many personalities from the world of politics (including the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo) and sports (including IOC President Thomas Bach).

"The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games presented yesterday by the Organizing Committee showed the whole world moments of beauty and joy, full of emotion and universally celebrated. At the same time, this ceremony contained scenes of mockery and derision towards Christianity, which we deeply regret," wrote the French bishops.

"We thank representatives of other denominations who expressed their solidarity with us. This morning, we share thoughts with Christians on all continents who felt offended by the provocation during some scenes. We would like them to understand that the Olympic celebration is beyond the ideological message of some artists," it was added.

American Catholic Bishop Robert Barron also spoke out on the matter, accusing the ceremony organizers of deciding that "it was appropriate to mock this very important moment in Christianity, where Jesus, during the Last Supper, offers his body and blood in anticipation of the cross."