“The spectacle with Drag Queens posing as Jesus at the Last Supper has sparked controversy, primarily among the French bishops who have described the performance staged at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games as a ‘mockery of Christianity’. The Italian bishops’ newspaper, Avvenire, writes that: like a nouvelle cuisine dish, the chefs of the evening threw in a bit of everything: pop, rock, opera. And then they shook the ingredients with an excessively abundant pinch of essential fluidism. What struck negatively was the parody of Leonardo’s Last Supper in which Christ is replaced by an obese woman, while queer and trans figures (including a child) depict his apostles.”

A strong stance also comes from Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Academy for Life, who commented to the newspaper on the Friday evening show in Paris and fully supports the French episcopacy: ‘The French bishops have been brave and courageous. And personally, I cannot but approve every word they said, from the first to the last.’

What did you like about the words of the French bishops regarding the opening ceremony of Paris 2024?

“The bishops first and foremost show their participation in an undoubtedly extraordinary event, such as the Olympics. They emphasize the participation of the Christian community with an opening Eucharistic celebration involving religious, political, and sports personalities. They underline how important it is today to promote fraternity throughout the world through sporting and Olympic values, not forgetting the other two dimensions: freedom and equality, respecting everyone.”

And were these values not respected?

“This lofty ideal was tarnished by a blasphemous mockery of one of the holiest moments in Christianity. The French bishops note that many members of other religions have also expressed their solidarity.”

Was it really necessary to include gender theory in the opening ceremony of the Olympics with five rings?

“It is more than obvious that there was no need for it. The bishops write: ‘We think of all Christians from all continents who have been hurt by the imprudence and provocation of such scenes. Olympic and sporting values do not need to be supported by such certainly disrespectful scenes.’ The bishops write that Olympism is a movement in service to this reality of unity and human fraternity. And they add: ‘We hope that (the organizers) understand that the Olympic celebration goes far beyond the ideological positions of some artists.'”

France has always had strong Christian roots. Has secularism now prevailed?

“I wouldn’t rush to make sweeping judgments. The French bishops are French too. It is true that French laicité is different from Italian laicità.”

How would you explain this difference?

“In France, laicity means the absence of religion in public life (which makes the current situation even more culpable), whereas in Italy, and in my opinion in a much wiser manner, the religious dimension can enter into public debate like other cultural dimensions. For example, contemporary German philosopher Jürgen Habermas argues for the importance of religions in secular society.”

How does this centrality manifest itself?

“In his view, especially in this time faced with the aridity of politics, religions can provide assistance. And it should be remembered that according to the Gospel, no one is condemned for their condition. What is asked of all, without exception, is to trust in Jesus to live according to His will.”

Source: ilgiornale.it