8 days after the controversial Olympic opening ceremony, the Vatican has spoken out. A statement was released, saying:
“The Holy See was saddened by certain scenes of the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics and can only join the voices that have been raised in recent days to deplore the offense caused to many Christians and believers of other religions.”
Furthermore, the Vatican points out that an event like the Olympics should emphasize shared values rather than feature:
“allusions that ridicule the religious convictions of many people. Freedom of expression, which is obviously not in question, is limited only by respect for others.”
French bishops and even Muslim leaders such as the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, one of the most important Sunni representatives, had already spoken out on the matter. The Grand Imam said, “Shame on the perpetrators of this heinous abuse and those who accept it.”
JRB
