The Vatican’s comments reference a scene that appeared to evoke Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper featuring drag queens.
In a statement issued a week after the event, the Vatican on Saturday said it “was saddened by certain scenes during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games”.
“[We can] only join the voices that have been raised in recent days to deplore the offence caused to many Christians and believers of other religions.
“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 Vatican went on to say that “freedom of expression is not being called into question”, but such freedom “is limited by respect for others”.
The ceremony’s artistic director, Thomas Jolly, has denied he had been inspired by da Vinci’s painting, saying the controversial scene aimed to celebrate diversity and French gastronomy.
However, critics have claimed it represented Jesus and his apostles in da Vinci’s iconic work.
The scene featured producer and LGBTQ+ activist Barbara Butch with a silver headdress that looked like a halo, with drag artists and dancers.
ANSA
