Vatican condemns Olympic opening for 'offensive' religious scenes

The echoes from the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games are still resounding and continue to spark a lot of controversies. Now, the Church has addressed this topic, with the Vatican issuing an official statement.

The Vatican expressed regret over certain events that took place during the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympic Games in Paris. In a statement on Saturday at 7:00 PM ET, it was noted that there were situations offensive to many Christians and followers of other religions.

In the statement provided to journalists on Saturday evening, it was emphasized: "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."

"In a prestigious event where the whole world comes together around common values, there should not be allusions ridiculing the religious convictions of many people," the Vatican stated.

"Freedom of expression, which is obviously not called into question, finds its limit in respect for others," it was noted.

The statement did not clarify what "certain scenes" were meant. Following the inauguration ceremony on July 26 at 3:00 PM ET, controversy and numerous protests mainly concerned a scene considered an offensive reference to Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper." The author of the Paris performance later explained that the painting was not his inspiration.

Recall that controversy and numerous protests erupted after the opening ceremony on July 26 at 3:00 PM ET, primarily concerning a scene seen as offensive allusions to Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper." The author of the ceremony in Paris later stated that the painting was not his inspiration.