The Paris 2024 organisers have already apologised for any offence caused – while insisting the scene featuring drag queens was not inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s biblical painting.
The Vatican has issued a delayed response following the Olympics opening ceremony – saying it is “saddened” by a skit that appeared to parody Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper painting.
Last Friday’s Paris event included a scene featuring what seemed to be a recreation of the famous painting with drag queens, a transgender model and a near-naked singer in the place of Jesus Christ and his apostles.
In a statement issued on Saturday night, the Vatican said: “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.”
“Freedom of expression, which is obviously not called into question, finds its limit in respect for others,” it added.
The Vatican has not said why it has taken over a week to issue a statement.