U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, emphasizing that "the mockery of the Last Supper last night was shocking and insulting to Christian people worldwide who watched the Olympic opening ceremony in Paris." Johnson added on the platform "X": "The war on faith and traditional values knows no bounds today, but we are confident that truth and virtue will prevail." He concluded his post with a line from the "Gospel of John," stating: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it," referring to the triumph of noble values.
The mockery by transgender artists of Leonardo da Vinci’s "Last Supper" during the opening of the Paris 2024 Olympics has sparked widespread outrage within the Catholic Church and calls to boycott the Olympics, viewing it as a gross insult to religious beliefs. A group of transgender artists featured in a lengthy video performance, embodying the figures depicted in da Vinci's mid-15th century painting.
The scene included a transgender individual portraying Jesus Christ, dancing, jumping, crawling, swaying, and making sexual gestures, which the Catholic Church stated bore no relation to religion, art, music, or even the sporting event that was meant to represent the elevation of human civilization.
European Parliament member Mario Marichal directed a message to all Christians worldwide through her account on "X," writing in French and English: "To all Christians around the world who are watching the Paris 2024 ceremony and feel insulted by this mocking portrayal of the Last Supper, know that France does not speak; rather, it is a leftist minority that is always present for any provocation."
This scandal also angered followers from Greece, who pride themselves on their historical association with the concept of the Olympics. One observer from Greece commented, "The decline of Europe," while another noted, "When the spirit and idea of the Olympics die."
The opening ceremony, held on Friday and attended by several world leaders, featured hours of dancing and performances, including Lady Gaga and Celine Dion, along with a parade of athletes on boats down the Seine River, all in heavy rain.
