The Vatican broke its silence on Saturday, condemning the provocative drag performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, which had sparked international outrage. The contentious segment on July 26 reimagined Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper,” substituting Jesus Christ and his apostles with drag queens, a transgender model, and a singer portraying Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and pleasure.
In an unusual weekend statement, the Vatican expressed deep dismay, citing a blatant lack of “respect for others.” The Holy See lamented the offense inflicted on many Christians and believers from other faiths, stressing that a prestigious global event should not mock religious beliefs.
BREAKING
The Vatican CONDEMNS the Olympics Opening Ceremony
‘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 offence caused to many Christians and… pic.twitter.com/EOnROlp551
— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) August 3, 2024
“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 offense done to many Christians and believers of other religions,” the Vatican declared. “At a prestigious event where the whole world comes together to share common values, there should be no allusions ridiculing the religious convictions of many people. The freedom of expression, which is clearly not called into question here, is limited by respect for others.”
Initially, Olympics officials denied any connection to Da Vinci’s masterpiece, but they later admitted that the performance was indeed inspired by the iconic painting. The show featured 18 performers, including stars from “Drag Race France,” posing behind a long table set against the backdrop of the Seine River and Eiffel Tower.
The centerpiece of the act was an elaborately dressed woman wearing a large silver headdress resembling a halo, akin to Jesus in classical art. She smiled and formed a heart with her hands before leading her peers into a dance routine.
The Vatican has condemned the offence towards Christians at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, a week after a storm of criticism erupted around the event. https://t.co/88TsAg4f6A
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) August 4, 2024
French Catholic bishops, alongside other Christian leaders, condemned the show. Former President Donald Trump labeled the opening ceremony a “disgrace,” while House Speaker Mike Johnson, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, conservative French European parliament member Marion Maréchal, and Hungary’s ambassador to the Vatican, Eduard Habsburg, also voiced their disapproval.
In response to the backlash, Paris Olympics organizers issued an apology, clarifying that their intention was never to disrespect any religious group but to celebrate community tolerance. Hugo Bardin, one of the performers known as the drag queen Paloma, stood by the performance, stating, “We have been accused of trying to impose our vision on the world. We are not. We just want to let people know that we have a place in the world, and we are claiming that place.”
Key Points:
- Vatican condemns Paris Olympics opening ceremony for mocking “Last Supper.”
- Performance featured drag queens, a transgender model, and a singer as Dionysus.
- Outcry from French Catholic bishops, former President Trump, and other conservatives.
- Olympics organizers apologized, emphasizing intent to promote tolerance, not disrespect.
- Performer Hugo Bardin defended the act, asserting the LGBTQ+ community’s right to visibility.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
