The Vatican has condemned a scene from the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony that appeared to mock the Last Supper. Many Christians have found the scene offensive. The ceremony, which took place on July 26, featured drag queens portraying apostles and a lesbian DJ depicted as Jesus. The display seemingly mocked Leonardo da Vinci’s painting Read more
What to make of the strange incident which took place during and after the Olympic opening ceremony last week? ‘ As part of the grand, self-aggrandising spectacle on the banks of the Seine, a troupe of drag queens staged a re-enactment of Leonardo da Vinci’s celebrated painting The Last Supper. An ersatz, plump, drag Jesus Read more
The creative force behind the Paris Olympics opening ceremony has rebuffed criticism that his innovative production crossed boundaries, saying that it generated a “cloud of love and tolerance”. Thomas Jolly, the 42-year-old mastermind of the ceremony, addressed the controversy surrounding one of the most debated scenes which featured a nearly nude performer. He firmly denied Read more
Catholic leaders have condemned a segment of the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony featuring drag queens parodying the Last Supper, labelling it a “gratuitous insult to the Eucharist”. During the Olympic ceremonies, 18 performers re-created the scene, a depiction of Jesus Christ’s final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion. The scene featured some half-naked Read more
As athletes gear up for the Paris Olympics, over 120 faith leaders including a significant contingent of Catholic chaplains are preparing to provide spiritual support to approximately 10,000 competitors. This initiative aims to assist those coping with the pressures and challenges of the Games, particularly those facing disappointment. Jason Nioka, a former judo champion and Read more
In Lyon, the Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica is embracing the spirit of the 2024 Paris Olympics by inaugurating a temporary chapel dedicated to athletes. According to the Fourvière Foundation, which owns the city’s iconic basilica, the chapel was opened to the public on May 2, two days ahead of schedule. The Notre-Dame des Sportifs (Our Read more
The official posters for the upcoming Paris Olympics have sparked a heated debate over the removal of the cross over one of the city’s landmarks. The cross that crowns the dome of the Hôtel des Invalides has been excluded from the artwork created by French illustrator Ugo Gattoni. Hôtel des Invalides is a notable 17th-century Read more