The opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, held on Friday 26 July on the banks of the Seine, was hailed for its splendour and emotion. The French Bishops’ Conference (CEF) recognised these moments of beauty and joy but also expressed deep concern about certain scenes that it considered a mockery of Christianity.
Reactions from the Church
In a statement released on its social networks, the CEF praised the ceremony for offering “wonderful moments of beauty and joy, rich in emotion and universally acclaimed”. However, they regretted that the event included “scenes of mockery and ridicule of Christianity”, highlighting, in particular, the recreation of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “The Last Supper” by a dozen men dressed as women.
Interfaith Solidarity
The show, broadcast by Mundovisión, sparked a wave of solidarity towards the French Catholic Church from leaders of other religious denominations. These leaders joined in support of Christians who felt offended by the provocations.
The French bishops expressed their empathy with “all Christians from all continents who have felt hurt by the outrage and provocation of certain scenes.” They clarified that the Olympic celebration should transcend any ideological prejudice of the participating artists.
Criticism of Declared Inclusivity
The Secretary General of the CEF, Father Hugues de Woillemont, expressed on the social network X his discontent with what he considered a contradiction: “the declared inclusiveness and the effective exclusion of certain believers.” He stressed that it is not necessary to hurt religious sensibilities to promote fraternity and sisterhood.
Monsignor François Touvet, President of the CEF Communication Council and Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Fréjus-Toulon, also condemned the controversial scenes. Through a post on social media, he protested “against this scandalous and grave insult to Christians around the world.”
A Call for Unity and Fraternity
The CEF concluded its statement by reiterating that sport is a “wonderful activity that deeply delights the hearts of athletes and spectators.” They stressed that Olympism must serve as a movement of unity and human fraternity.
The opening ceremony, despite the controversy, ended with a message of hope and unity. One of the highlights was the interpretation of Édith Piaf’s “Hymn to Love” by Céline Dion from the Eiffel Tower, whose last words resonated in the Parisian night: “God brings together those who love each other.”
