Summer Opening Ceremony Olympic Games in Paris It had a wide resonance and was met with considerable criticism. The participants of the event – as some Internet users and politicians believe – recreated “The Last Supper”, thus referring to the painting by Leonardo da Vinci. The director of the show denied this.
There were also some voices indicating that it was Jan van Bijlert's “Feast of the Gods”, depicting a banquet on Olympus. Less than a week after the opening of the sports event, the matter was addressed Vatican.
Olympic Games: Storm Over Opening Ceremony, Vatican Responds
The issued communiqué expressed disapproval. “The Holy See was saddened some scenes during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris and can only join the voices that have been raised in recent days to to regret the offense many Christians and followers of other religions” – it was emphasized.
It was further mentioned that at the prestigious event, “during which the whole world unites around common values, there should be no allusions mocking the religious beliefs of many people.”
“Freedom of expression, which is of course not questioned, finds its limit in respect for others” – the Vatican mentioned in a statement. At the same time, the Holy See's position did not explain which specific scenes were meant.
Olympic Games in Paris. Pope Francis appealed for a truce
A few days before the start of the sports competition in the capital France Pope Francis addressed the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square and emphasized that “sport also has great social power, capable of peacefully uniting people of different cultures“.
– I want this event to be a sign of the inclusive world that we want to build, and for the athletes, with their sporting testimony, to be messengers of peace and good role models for young people – said the Pope.
The Holy Father also appealed to the government to – as he said – “in accordance with the ancient tradition the Olympic Games were an opportunity to establish a truce in the wars and to demonstrate a sincere will to peace.”
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