Controversial olympic ceremony skit prompts IOC apology and bishops' critique

An element of the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, the colourful artistic performance on the Seine, has sparked waves of comments. The organisers were accused of offending religious sentiments. The International Olympic Committee decided to break the silence and apologise.

On Sunday, the International Olympic Committee addressed the controversial and emotional segment of the show that inaugurated the Olympic sports competition. Representatives of the organisation assured that they did not intend to show disrespect to any religious group.

The discussion around this event has been ongoing since Friday night. Perhaps many viewers, watching the opening ceremony live or on screens at home, did not associate the scene with Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper".

However, bishops in France noticed the reference and reacted immediately, even though they rarely speak on social issues. The Episcopal Conference appealed to all viewers and participants to remember that "the Olympic celebration goes far beyond the ideological biases of a few artists."

Then a scandal erupted. Many comments were made online. Particularly outraged are Catholics. Politicians, athletes, and activists are speaking on the matter.

Priests condemned this attack on Christian values during many masses. Believers saw "a gender parody of the Last Supper" in the criticised scene.

The International Olympic Committee decided to respond to these angry comments. Adam Parsons, the "Sky News" correspondent in Europe, conveyed a statement. He wrote that the IOC apologised and explained that its goal was to show tolerance and community.

"IOC on complaints about 'The Last Supper' reference in Opening Ceremony: 'Clearly there was never the intention to show disrespect to any religious group. On the contrary, we intended to show tolerance and community. If people have taken any offence, then we are sorry,'" the correspondent quoted the IOC statement.