Vatican criticizes Olympic opening for religious insensitivity

The Vatican expressed regret over certain events during the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympic Games in Paris in a statement on Saturday. It noted that some situations were offensive to many Christians and followers of other religions.

The statement provided to journalists on Saturday evening emphasized: "The Holy See was saddened by certain scenes at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games and cannot but join the voices raised in recent days to deplore the offence done to many Christians and believers of other religions."

"In a prestigious event where the whole world comes together around common values, there should not be allusions ridiculing the religious convictions of many people," the Vatican stated.

It noted that "Freedom of expression, which is obviously not called into question, finds its limit in respect for others."

The statement did not specify what "certain scenes" were meant. Following the inauguration ceremony on July 26, controversy and numerous protests mainly concerned a scene considered an offensive reference to Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper." The author of the Paris performance later explained that the painting was not his inspiration.

Please note that after the opening ceremony on July 26, controversy and numerous protests erupted, primarily concerning a scene seen as offensive allusions to Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper." The author of the ceremony in Paris later stated that the painting was not his inspiration.