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Holy See criticizes opening ceremony of the Olympic Games
In an official statement, the Holy See has expressed its disappointment and regret over certain representations at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris on July 26. They were not only disrespectful to Christians, but also to other religious people.
28/07/2024
Vatican/D: Further criticism of parts of the Olympic spectacle
Vatican News
The Holy See's statement emphasizes that the opening ceremony, an event of global significance in which the world gathers around common values such as sportsmanship, peace and international understanding, should be free of depictions that ridicule the religious beliefs of many people. "The Holy See was saddened by certain scenes at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics and can only join the voices raised in recent days to regret the insult inflicted on many Christians and believers of other religions," the statement said.
Protection of religious freedom and respect for religious beliefs
In its statement, the Vatican emphasizes that freedom of expression is a fundamental right, but finds its limit in respect for the other. It is pointed out that at such a prestigious event, where people of different cultures and faiths come together, special sensitivity is required. The Holy See not only expresses its support for the maintenance of religious dignity, but also admonishes organizers and artists to respect cultural and religious diversity.
Reactions and controversies
The reactions to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games have led to controversial discussions in recent days, not only within religious communities, but also among the general public. While some defend the performance as artistic freedom and satire, others see it as an unnecessary provocation that endangers cohesion and mutual respect among people.
The Holy See's statement is part of a broader debate on the role of artistic freedom in public events and the limits of respect for religious sensibilities. In a world that is increasingly polarized, the question of how to find a balance between artistic freedom of expression and respect for cultural and religious beliefs remains a central challenge.
The Olympic Games, traditionally considered a symbol of peace and international understanding, are now faced with the challenge of upholding and promoting these principles despite growing tensions and controversies.
(vatican news - mg)
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https://www.vaticannews.va/de/vatikan/news/2024-08/vatikan-kritik-eroeffnungsfeier-paris-olympische-spiele-pm.html
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Vatican/D: Further criticism of parts of the Olympic spectacle
After the French bishops, other bishops have criticized parts of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris, including Curia Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia.
Read also
Paris2024: Bishops denounce "scenes of mockery of Christianity"
27/07/2024
Paris2024: Bishops denounce "scenes of mockery of Christianity"
In one scene, Christianity was mocked and mocked, according to a letter published on Saturday by the French Bishops' Conference.

They were referring to a scene in which drag queens, together with dancers and performers, had apparently re-enacted the Last Supper of Christ with his disciples on a bridge over the Seine in Leonardo da Vinci's version - parodying it as a transgender party and fashion show. The most prominent actress was Nicky Doll, known for the moderation of Drag Race France, who had already carried the Olympic torch a bit in the run-up to the Games.

Curia Archbishop Paglia joins criticism
The French bishops were right with their criticism of the scene Curia Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia. The president of the Pontifical Academy for Life spoke in a newspaper interview published this Sunday of a "blasphemous mockery of one of the holiest moments of Christianity". The scene has "sullied" the "high ideal" of Olympic values, which are supposed to promote fraternity, freedom, equality and respect worldwide, the Italian told "Il Giornale". Pope Francis mentions Olympia on Sunday at the noon prayer, but did not address this aspect.

Criticism of the scene came not only from France and Italy but also from Germany. "However, the queer #Abendmahl was a low point and completely superfluous in the staging," posted the sports bishop of the German Bishops' Conference, Stefan Oster, on X. In a statement published on the website of the Diocese of Passau, the bishop also warns against the efforts of a culture that apparently "wants to get rid of God more and more consciously" and thus be "godless", "so that man finally comes completely into his own, free disposal of himself".
https://media.vaticannews.va/media/audio/s1/2024/07/28/15/138168788_F138168788.mp3
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Bishop Oster also indignant
According to the French bishops, Christians on all continents were hurt by the provocation and exaggeration. At the same time, they thanked representatives of other religions who had expressed their solidarity after the ceremony. Apart from that, the French bishops praised the opening and wrote that there had been wonderful moments of beauty, joy and happiness.

The 33rd Summer Olympics opened in Paris on Friday evening. Unlike before, the celebrations did not take place in a stadium, but on the Seine River. Until August 11, more than 10,500 athletes will compete in 329 competitions.

Conservatives and right-wing extremist politicians in France also criticized the scene, as did the Russian Orthodox Church and the Foreign Ministry in Moscow.

Olympic organizers reject criticism
"Our intention was never to be outrageous"

The Olympic organizers rejected the criticism and referred to freedom of art and expression. Organizer Tony Estanguet emphasized that the show was intended to make people think and that its basic lines had been coordinated with the IOC. "Our intention was never to be outrageous," said the director of the opening ceremony, Thomas Jolly. "In France, artistic creation is free." The idea was to be inclusive, which means not excluding anyone.

(Vatican News/Il Giornale/KNA - PR)