Vatican Condemns Controversial Olympic Ceremony

The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics has sparked significant controversy due to a performance that featured drag queens and a transgender singer in a scene reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci's 'Last Supper'. The Vatican responded after a week of outrage, expressing sadness over the depiction that it deemed disrespectful to Christians and other religious believers. The statement emphasized that freedom of expression should be balanced with respect for religious convictions. While the performance attracted condemnation from various conservative figures, including former President Donald Trump, it was also one of the most-watched Olympic ceremonies, drawing 28.6 million viewers. The artistic director of the performance claimed his intention was to promote love and inclusion, despite the backlash. The Olympic committee has since issued an apology for any offense caused while maintaining their goal of celebrating community tolerance.