Pope Francis and the Vatican have addressed the controversy surrounding the 2024 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony.
Held on July 26 on the River Seine in Paris, the ceremony featured various segments, including a performance by Celine Dion from the Eiffel Tower.
However, a brief sketch with French drag queens, which some perceived as a parody of the “Last Supper,” provoked backlash from many Christians.
The Olympics organization clarified that the sketch was meant to represent a Greek pagan feast, not the “Last Supper,” but some concerns persist.
On Saturday, the Vatican issued a statement expressing disappointment over the scenes, emphasizing that such events should not mock religious beliefs and that respect for others should temper freedom of expression.
A Paris official, Anne Descamps, apologized for any offense caused, asserting that there was no intention to disrespect any religious group and that the ceremony aimed to celebrate community tolerance.
