Vatican Criticizes Olympics Opening Ceremony for Religious Mockery

The Vatican expressed dismay over the portrayal of Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' featuring drag queens at the Olympic Games opening ceremony. The Holy See joined those offended by the scene, emphasizing that an event meant to unify should avoid religious mockery. The ceremony's director denied any intent to parody Christianity.

The Vatican expressed profound discontent on Saturday over the Olympic Games opening ceremony, which included a scene that resembled Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' and featured drag queens, sparking widespread indignation among Christians.

In a statement released in French, the Holy See expressed sorrow over certain scenes and sympathized with those who felt offended, questioning the appropriateness of religious allusions at an international gathering meant to promote common values.

The controversial scene showed DJ and producer Barbara Butch, an LGBTQ+ advocate, adorned with a silver headdress resembling a halo, accompanied by drag artists and dancers. While critics argued it parodied sacred Christian imagery, the ceremony's artistic director, Thomas Jolly, maintained it was intended to celebrate diversity and French gastronomy. Apologies were issued by the Paris Olympics organizers to those offended.

(With inputs from agencies.)