Vatican finally speaks out about Olympic opening ceremony

The 2024 Paris Olympics. Photo: vaticannews.va

In a statement published on the Vatican News website on 4 August, the Vatican expressed regret over some scenes at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, saying that "at a prestigious event where the whole world comes together to share common values, there should be no allusions ridiculing the religious convictions of many people".

"The Holy See was saddened by certain scenes during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games and can only join the voices that have been raised in recent days to deplore the offence caused to many Christians and believers of other religions," reads the communiqué regarding the July 26 Olympic opening ceremony.

In conclusion, the RCC pointed out that "freedom of expression, which is certainly not being called into question, is limited by respect for others."

As reported by the UOJ, Erdoğan urged the Pope to condemn the blasphemy at the Olympics.

Read also

OCU parishioners in Kosmach sue each other over December 25 service

An OCU parish in Ivano-Frankivsk Region held no services either on December 25 or on January 7.

Analyst likens Bankova’s case against UOC to Stalin-era repression

Bondarenko said the way the authorities justify pressure on the Church may amount to the rhetoric of the totalitarian era.

Christmas caroling and festive concerts held across UOC eparchies

During the January celebration of the Nativity of Christ, UOC communities across the country sing carols, hold concerts, and organize charitable initiatives.

Primate: God’s law is written in every human heart

During a sermon in Boryspil, His Beatitude reminded the faithful of the meaning of Christmas and the need to live according to God’s commandments.

Media: Transgender-identified inmates sexually assault women in US prisons

Female inmates, who have been interviewed extensively as part of the research on the impact of gender ideology in custodial settings, describe the facility as “a haven for sexual predators who pretend to be transgender.”

Guardian: Bible sales in Britain hit new highs in 2025

Specialists are noting growing interest in Christian texts amid social change and a rethinking of faith’s role in contemporary society.