Catholic bishops from around the world have responded with fierce condemnation following the controversial reenactment of the Last Supper by drag queens during the 2024 Summer Olympics’ opening ceremony in Paris.
The event, meant to be a grand display of unity and culture, featured an impressive laser light show emanating from the Eiffel Tower. However, it took a sharp turn when drag queens staged a scene mimicking the sacred moment of the Last Supper, a foundational event in Christianity marking the first-ever sacrament of Holy Communion. The act of mockery, especially in a historically Catholic country, has ignited a firestorm of outrage.
A Stinging Contrast: Religious Sensitivities Ignored
What has added fuel to the fire is the selective irreverence displayed. While Christian traditions were openly mocked, no other religions were subjected to similar ridicule. This is particularly striking given France’s recent history with Islamist extremism, such as the tragic 2015 Charlie Hebdo attack. This horrific event saw 12 lives lost when armed terrorists targeted the satirical magazine for its controversial depictions of Muhammad.
The attack, carried out by two French-born Algerian Muslim brothers, ended with a dramatic manhunt and the eventual death of the gunmen by an elite police tactical unit. While no violence is expected or justified in response to the Olympic ceremony, the disregard for the sacredness of the Eucharist has stirred anger far and wide.
Voices of Protest: From the Clergy to the NFL
The backlash is not limited to religious officials. Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has joined French religious leaders in expressing their disgust. The mock recreation of the Eucharist, which holds deep spiritual significance, is seen as a blatant insult to Christian believers globally.
In a statement on Saturday, French bishops expressed profound regret over the “scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity, which we deeply deplore.”
“This morning, we think of all Christians on all continents who have been hurt by the outrage and provocation of certain scenes.”
“We hope they understand that the Olympic celebration extends far beyond the ideological preferences of some artists,” the bishops added. Catholic News Agency has additional coverage of the aftermath:
Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta said on X he had sent messages to the French Ambassador to Malta, expressing his “distress and great disappointment at the insult to us Christians during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics when a group of drag artists parodied the Last Supper of Jesus.”
The prelate, who also is a Vatican official, said he encouraged others to write the ambassador.
Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chair of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, issued a statement calling on Catholics to respond to the Paris incident with prayer and fasting.
Referencing the recent National Eucharistic Congress, Bishop Cozzens wrote, “Jesus experienced his Passion anew Friday night in Paris when his Last Supper was publicly defamed.”
“France and the entire world are saved by the love poured out through the Mass, which came to us through the Last Supper. Inspired by the many martyrs who shed their blood to witness to the truth of the Mass, we will not stand aside and quietly abide as the world mocks our greatest gift from the Lord Jesus,“ the bishop noted.
Others took to X to share their thoughts:
Friends, my thoughts on the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. #Olimpiadas2024 #OlympicGames pic.twitter.com/xU1ljFMZft
— Bishop Robert Barron (@BishopBarron) July 27, 2024
NEW: Professional boxer Ryan Garcia calls for a boycott of the Olympics in response to their anti-Christian opening ceremony. “Hey guys, I’m gonna be real. What they did at the Olympics, they all need to get canceled.” “You guys think this is a joke. It ain’t a joke. Christians… pic.twitter.com/kOFM4bQJDz
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 27, 2024
I prefer the original. pic.twitter.com/0xrQ8Ipdmk
— Archbishop Peter A Comensoli (@BishopComensoli) July 27, 2024
Btw, what the f*ck was all this about? A drag queen mockery of the Last Supper at the Olympics? Would they have mocked any other religion like this? Appalling decision. pic.twitter.com/50uREKJEJd
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 27, 2024
In reparation for the blasphemy in Paris, let’s fast and pray, renew our devotion to the Eucharist, the Sacred Heart and the Virgin Mary. May Jesus be adored and loved in every tabernacle throughout the world. Thank you Lord for the Eucharist and the Last Supper, your love for us
— Bishop Donald Hying (@bishophying) July 27, 2024
🔥🚨BREAKING: The World Olympics organizers have removed the opening ceremony from YouTube due to the recent backlash. The final straw appears to have been the dancing naked blue man featured in the 2024 World Olympic Games opening ceremony who was seen singing his single “Nu”… pic.twitter.com/ODwryNpsXz
— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) July 27, 2024
In a world where religious sensitivities are often at the forefront of societal issues, the Olympic ceremony’s inexplicable decision to satirize a key Christian sacrament has sparked a debate on respect and reverence, one that’s unlikely to subside anytime soon.
Where do we draw the line between artistic expression and disrespect? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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