Official announcements from the International Olympic Committee

Vatican Condemns Paris Olympics 'Last Supper' Parody, Calls for Rule 55 Amendment

Aug 3, 2024, 07:40 PM

The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics has sparked significant controversy due to a performance that many perceived as a parody of Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper.' The performance, which included drag queens, a transgender model, and a naked singer, has drawn strong backlash from Christian groups and leaders. The International Olympic Committee and the organizers have apologized to Christian and Catholic groups. High-ranking Catholic clergy, including Cardinal Raymond Burke, condemned the performance as blasphemous, with Burke describing it as 'an unbelievable manifestation of the darkness and sin in our world.' The Vatican also expressed its sadness and joined the voices deploring the offense caused to many Christians. Despite the backlash, Hugo Bardin, the drag queen known as Paloma who participated in the performance, stated he has no regrets, calling it 'a photograph of France in 2024.' The performance has since been removed from YouTube. Some are calling for Rule 55 of the Olympic Charter to be amended to prevent such incidents in the future, highlighting the faith of 2.4 billion Christians.