dpa
Paris
The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris has been criticized by the Catholic Church in France as insulting to Christians - and disparaged by Moscow.
“This ceremony unfortunately included scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity, which we deeply regret,” a statement from the French Bishops’ Conference said on Saturday.
The Church did not offer specifics, but one scene has raised the ire of some believers: a segment in which drag queens and a nearly naked singer recreated Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting “The Last Supper,” which depicts the final meal Jesus shared with his apostles.
“We thank the members of other religious denominations who have expressed their solidarity with us. This morning we think of all Christians on all continents who have been hurt by the excesses and provocation of certain scenes,” the French bishops said.
This “Last Meal” episode of Friday night’s opening ceremony, which took place during a boat parade down the Seine river, was blasted by conservative and far-right politicians in France.
Valérie Boyer, a senator for the conservative Republicans, called it a “vision of our history ... that aims to ridicule Christians.”
The German Bishops’ Conference also criticized the scene, saying that it was “an impressive opening of hopefully peaceful games,” but that “the queer communion was a low point and the staging was completely superfluous,” bishop Stefan Oster said.
Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, said the opening ceremony was intended to be thought-provoking. “We have freedom of expression in France and we want to protect it.”
The Russian Orthodox Church and the Foreign Ministry in Moscow said they were shocked by apostles being parodied by “transvestites.”
