In a uncommon transfer that shocked many, the Vatican issued a press release condemning the grotesque and blasphemous depiction of Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic portray, “The Final Supper,” on the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.
For the primary time, Pope Francis has united with conservative voices. For years, Pope Francis has been seen as a progressive determine keen to interact with the novel left.
On Saturday, the Vatican expressed deep dismay over the skit, which featured a drag queen, a transgender mannequin and a nude singer portraying the Greek god Dionysus.
The scene, introduced throughout the opening ceremony on July 26, resembles the biblical depiction of Jesus Christ and his apostles throughout their last meal earlier than the crucifixion.
A small youngster was additionally seen on the efficiency standing subsequent to the drag queens.
NEW: The Paris Olympics have come underneath fireplace for together with a *youngster* in a hyper-sexualized, blasphemous rendition of The Final Supper.
An obvious youngster is seen becoming a member of the drag queens throughout the efficiency.
As an alternative of bringing individuals collectively, occasion planners… pic.twitter.com/5nUSmE72Oe
— Colin Ragg (@colinragg) July 26, 2024
ESPN stories that the Olympic Committee is scrambling to include the fallout. On Sunday morning, Paris 2024 spokeswoman Anne Descamps issued a so-called ‘apology’ in case anybody was offended by the ill-fated efficiency, saying they had been celebrating “group tolerance”.
“Clearly, no disrespect to any non secular group was meant. It (the opening ceremony) tried to have a good time group tolerance,” Descamps claimed throughout a press convention.
“We imagine this ambition has been achieved,” he added. “If individuals have dedicated any offence, we’re actually sorry.”
Translation: We’ve no regrets for the efficiency, and it is your fault, silly Christians, for misinterpreting our intentions.
In keeping with Reuters, the pope’s assertion was launched in French throughout an uncommon press convention over the weekend. The Purple Pope mentioned it “can’t be a part of the voices raised in latest days to sentence the crimes dedicated in opposition to many Christians and believers of different faiths.”
“At a prestigious occasion the place the entire world unites round frequent values, there must be no trace that mocks the non secular beliefs of many individuals,” the Vatican added.
“Freedom of expression, which is clearly not in query, finds its restrict in respect for others.”
The condemnation follows an open letter signed by three cardinals and 24 bishops from world wide, calling on the Worldwide Olympic Committee (IOC) to “repudiate” and “apologise”, in accordance with the Catholic Information Company. .