How Catholics, Archbishops Angrily Reacted To ‘Blasphemous’ 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony

Posted on by Cassandra

Christian groups around the world, led by Catholics and archbishops, expressed their anger towards the Paris Olympic Games board for mocking God in scenes resembling biblical events during the Opening Ceremony on Friday, July 26, 2024.

The blasphemous biblical parody scene referenced Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, ‘The Last Supper’.

The scene included drag queens, a transgender model, and a singer dressed as the Greek god of wine.

In a post shared by the organizers to explain the artistry, the official handle indicated that the scene aimed to raise awareness “of the absurdity of violence between human beings.”

However, Christians were outraged on social media, stating that the performance was a clear mockery of God.

The Catholic Church in France, in response, announced that it had disassociated itself and disapproved of a ceremony that “included scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity.”

Archbishop Charles Scicluna, an official for the Vatican’s powerful doctrinal office, also described the scene as a “gratuitous insult.”

The Italian bishops, in a statement quoted by the Daily Italian newspaper, could not understand why the ceremony mocked Christianity while glorifying and promoting gay culture.

“It took an unexpectedly negative turn, becoming a parade of banal errors, accompanied by trite and predictable ideologies.”

“Don’t mistake us for moralistic bigots, but what’s the point of having to experience every single global event, even a sporting one, as if it were a Gay Pride?”

Meanwhile, the Paris Olympics Games organizers have apologized for the ‘blasphemous’ scene in the opening ceremony.

Anne Descamps, spokesperson for the committee, stated that the ceremony was not meant to ‘celebrate community tolerance’ and therefore had no intention of offending any religious group.

“Clearly, there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. [The opening ceremony] aimed to celebrate community tolerance.”

“We believe this goal was achieved. If anyone has been offended, we sincerely apologize.”

Read some reactions below:

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Source: Ghanaweb