Official statements from the International Olympic Committee

Olympic Opening Ceremony Criticized for Mocking Christianity, Insulting 2.5 Billion Catholics

Jul 27, 2024, 01:40 PM

The opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris has sparked controversy for allegedly mocking Christianity. The French Episcopate condemned the event, citing scenes that misappropriated Christian symbols, including a parody of the Last Supper. Critics argue that such ridicule would not be tolerated if directed at other religions. The ceremony, while praised for its beauty and emotional richness, has faced backlash from various religious groups, including the French Catholic Church, which expressed deep regret over the incident. Critics highlighted the insensitivity towards 2.5 billion Catholics worldwide.