Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Organizers of the Paris Olympic Games apologized during the Games’ daily news conference on July 28 to those offended by a drag performance during the opening ceremony that the French bishops said “included scenes of mockery and derision of Christianity.”

In what was supposed to be a feast of unity and joy for the world, France found itself in controversy on July 26 as television cameras showed LGBTQ+ performers, one of whom wore a crown reminiscent of a monstrance or halo, seated at a table. The scene was interpreted as a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic wall painting in Milan’s Dominican convent, "The Last Supper."

The drag queen table scene was later complemented with a nude singer appearing in the middle of a fruit basket, representing Dionysus, ancient Greece’s God of wine. The official profile for the Olympic Games on X (formerly Twitter) stated that the depiction made viewers “aware of the absurdity of violence between human beings.”

In a statement on July 27, the French bishops deplored these scenes at the opening ceremony. While acknowledging that the ceremony was “a marvelous display of beauty and joy, rich in emotion and universally acclaimed,” they regretted that it “unfortunately included scenes of mockery and derision of Christianity.” They emphasized that the Olympic celebration should transcend ideological biases.

“Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group,” Olympic spokeswoman Anne Descamps told reporters on July 28. “If people have taken any offense we are, of course, really sorry.”

Thomas Jolly, creative director for the opening ceremony, stated at the news conference that he did not intend to be subversive or offensive. He explained that his show included “ideas from the French Republic” and promoted inclusivity because in France “we’re allowed to love who we want, how we want.”

Following this apology, Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota criticized it on social media. He argued that while he initially had no intention to revisit his complaints about "The Last Supper" scene after posting about it on July 27, he felt compelled due to what he described as an inadequate apology from organizers.

Reacting to Descamp’s comments about no intended disrespect towards religious groups, Bishop Barron said: “Give me a break.” He questioned whether anyone could take seriously their claim given what he described as sexually provocative behavior imitating Da Vinci’s Last Supper.

To Jolly's assertion about celebrating community tolerance through inclusivity, Bishop Barron responded: “Yeah, tolerance. Except for those pesky 2.6 billion Christians on the planet.” He noted that organizers claimed they achieved celebrating tolerance but questioned their understanding if they believed harmony and peace were achieved through what he called an affront to Christians.

Bishop Emmanuel Gobilliard of Digne expressed shock over what he perceived as an attack against others' faiths during an event meant for unity. He highlighted Rule 50 from the Olympic charter which emphasizes keeping venues neutral from political or religious demonstrations.

Two days after this controversial opening ceremony, Rayssa Leal—a 16-year-old Catholic Brazilian skateboarder—used sign language quoting John 14:6 (“I am the way and truth and life”) while celebrating her bronze medal win in women’s street skateboarding final in Paris.

Leal explained her gesture saying: "For me it is important; I am Christian." However Brazilian media speculated whether she might face punishment by International Olympic Committee for displaying her faith silently post-ceremony controversy.

Meanwhile Polish state broadcaster suspended sports journalist Przemyslaw Babiarz who commented live during John Lennon’s song performance calling it "a vision communism." After suspension several Olympians along with Babiarz's colleagues signed support letter urging reinstatement citing free speech protection under Polish constitution.

Babiarz known openly discussing his faith previously remarked back in 2012 meeting students stating: "God is more important than sports." Despite suspension many commentators viewed his remarks remedying controversial opening mocking Catholic faith highlighting Poland's history under communist rule overturned partly due St John Paul II influence.