Catholic Church in Belize Condemns 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony

The Catholic Church in Belize issued a stern rebuke against the 2024 Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony, describing it as a “sacrilegious” affront to Christianity. The Church denounced the French Olympic Committee’s portrayal of the Last Supper—a central Christian moment—by depicting Jesus and his apostles in drag, accompanied by what it called “sleazy sexual innuendo.”

In response to widespread outrage, the French organizers issued a statement expressing regret for any offence caused but defended their intent to promote ‘community tolerance.’ In an official statement issued on July 29, 2024, the Catholic Church rejected this response as insincere and evasive, accusing the organizers of “woke duplicity” and failing to offer a genuine apology. 

In the statement, it said, “A spokesperson for France claims that they “tried to celebrate community tolerance,” and added, “We believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offence, we are really sorry.” This is not an apology; it is a masterpiece of woke duplicity. 2.6 billion Christians have been offended. If you want to apologize, you say, “We apologize. We made a mistake.” You are hypocritically intolerant of the billions of followers of Jesus Christ. Christians were offended because what you did was offensive, and now you want to blame us for “taking offence.” Insult upon injury.” 

The controversy has sparked a global debate over the balance between artistic freedom and respect for religious sentiments.