Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr of Cincinnati has issued a statement addressing the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Paris, which took place on July 26, 2024. The ceremony featured a controversial depiction of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting "The Last Supper," which Archbishop Schnurr described as a "grotesque, highly-sexualized parody." He expressed concern that this portrayal mocked the faith of 2.6 billion Christians worldwide and the institution of the Holy Eucharist.

"This blasphemous display not only gratuitously mocked the faith of the world’s 2.6 billion Christians but Jesus’ very institution of the Holy Eucharist, which we Catholics know to be 'the source and summit of the Christian life' (Lumen Gentium, 11)," stated Archbishop Schnurr.

He noted that this incident was particularly jarring for American Catholics, coming shortly after the National Eucharistic Congress held in Indianapolis. In response to the Olympic ceremony, Archbishop Schnurr recommended a statement from Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chairman of the National Eucharistic Congress, calling for prayer, fasting, and worship.

Bishop Cozzens reflected on recent events at the National Eucharistic Congress and expressed his dismay at the Olympic ceremony's portrayal. "Just one week later... nearly 1 billion men, women and children... witnessed the public mockery of the Mass," he said.

Bishop Cozzens emphasized that such incidents should be met with spiritual discipline. "Throughout salvation history, the Lord and his prophets have called us—the people of God—to respond to the darkness of evil with the light that comes from the Lord," he remarked.

Both religious leaders urged their followers to engage in prayer and fasting as means to counteract what they perceive as sacrilege. They also encouraged speaking out against such portrayals with love and charity but also with firmness.

"Let us pray for healing and forgiveness for all those who participated in this mockery," concluded Bishop Cozzens. "Through our prayer and fasting, we will ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen us with the virtue of fortitude so that we may preach Christ—our Lord and Savior."