The Vatican said Saturday it “condemns the insult” caused to Christians by the Olympic Games opening ceremony, which had a scene reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” and featured drag queens.
A week after a storm of criticism arose around the event, the Holy See issued a statement in French saying it was “saddened by some of the scenes in the opening ceremony” and joining those who were offended by it.
“At such a prestigious event, where the entire world comes together to share common values, there should be no ridiculous mention of religion,” it said.
According to critics, the scene during the July 26 ceremony was reminiscent of Jesus and his followers in da Vinci’s famous painting. It featured DJ and producer Barbara Busch – an LGBTQ+ icon – wearing a silver headdress that looked like a halo and was accompanied by drag artists and dancers. France’s Catholic bishops said it mocked Christianity.
Thomas Jolly, the ceremony’s artistic director, has repeatedly denied that he was inspired by the “Last Supper,” saying the scene was meant to celebrate diversity and pay tribute to feasting and French cuisine. Paris Olympics organizers apologized to anyone who was offended by the tableau.
A Vatican spokesman did not immediately respond when asked why the Holy See was responding now, a week after the incident and after Catholic leaders around the world had expressed outrage.