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Now several days after the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, held on July 26, the Vatican has made a statement about some of the images portrayed in the event.
Many around the world have continued to strongly criticize especially a part of the show featuring drag queens, which seemed to be a parody of the Last Supper.
See more about the early global reactions here, as well as what the organizers said.
In a brief French-language statement on August 3, the Holy See added its own voice to the discussion. Here is an unofficial translation:
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 offense caused to many Christians and believers of other religions.
In a prestigious event where the whole world gathers around common values, there should be no allusions ridiculing the religious convictions of many people.
Freedom of expression, which of course is not in question, finds its limit in respect for others.
Antagonizing
This last line, in particular, goes in accord with what Pope Francis has said on other occasions about freedom and respect.
Already in 2015, he said, "All those people who belittle religions, who mock them, who 'toy with' other people’s religion, they antagonize others.”
Various Church leaders have continued to urge a more thorough response from the Olympics Committee.
