The arts & literature of Christianity form the core unifying tradition of Europe and its offshoot societies. As a result, artistic displays are often derivative of Christian works without necessarily meaning to mock or ridicule them, though, of course, that can happen.
The organizers of the Paris 2024 Olympics recently issued an apology to Christians for a controversial segment in the opening ceremony that many believe parodied Leonardo Da Vinci's "The Last Supper." The performance, which included sex and gender performances that traditionalist Christians found offensive, was intended to celebrate France and cultural diversity but sparked a significant backlash from religious communities, especially conservative Catholics and traditionalist Protestants in America. Critics argued that the portrayal was disrespectful to Christianity, prompting apologies from both the Paris Olympics organizers and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps clarified that the ceremony aimed to promote community and tolerance, not to offend any religious group. Despite this, many Christian leaders, including prominent figures from the Catholic Church, expressed their disapproval. Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta and other Vatican officials lodged formal complaints, emphasizing the deep offense caused to the Christian community. France is traditionally called the “First Daughter” of the Roman Catholic Church because of the conversion of King Clovis to Latin Christianity in the late 5th century after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. The French Revolution persecuted organized Catholicism, and the current French laws of secularism were anti-clerical in intent. For this reason, the French Catholics, and not only American conservative Christians, were offended. According to CNN, the French Catholic Church described the ceremony as one that “included scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity.”
Pro-Pagan Greek Heritage, Not anti-Christian?
Artistic director Thomas Jolly defended the performance, suggesting it was meant to evoke the feast of Dionysus and celebrate the Greek roots of the Olympics rather than directly parody the Last Supper. However, the participating artists confirmed the intention was to create a tableau reminiscent of Da Vinci’s painting. Drag artist Barbara Butch, who portrayed “Jesus” in the parody, stated that the performance was a message of love and inclusion, not intended to be provocative or divisive.
Despite the apologies, some Christian leaders found the response inadequate, describing it as condescending and insufficient. They called for more genuine recognition of the offense.
The French Catholic community is especially sensitive given the recent history of attacks and the culturally devastating irreplaceable historical losses of the accidental 2019 fire that engulfed the Notre Dame Cathedral.
