pmc editorial manager
Vatican issues strong response to Olympic controversy
In a rare weekend release, the Vatican responded Saturday to the controversial drag performance depicting Leonardo da Vinci's painting “The Last Supper” during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris last week.
The July 26 segment showed a scene that resembled the famous painting of Jesus Christ and his apostles sharing a last meal, rather than a setting with drag queens presiding over a banquet. At the center stood a richly dressed woman with a large silver headdress that resembled a halo, as often depicted in paintings of Jesus Christ.
The event's creative director denied the scene was a reference to the painting. However, an Olympics spokesman apologized to those who were offended and another later admitted he was referring to the painting.
