The Vatican issued a statement on Saturday, adding its voice to those who had protested against certain scenes in the opening ceremony on Friday 26. Specifically, those supposedly reminiscent of Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples. The statement mentioned being "saddened by certain scenes" that could have "offended" Christians, as controversy grows over the segment that some say parodied that sacred Gospel scene.

In the scene, the dancers and drag queens performed in a way said to be reminiscent of representations of the Last Supper. "The Holy See has been saddened by certain scenes at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games and can only join the voices that have been raised in recent days in deploring the offence caused to many Christians and followers of other religions," the Vatican said in a statement in French.

Although the organisers have said they wanted to portray a pagan festival led by the Greek god of wine, Dionysus, this explanation has not softened the criticism. "In a prestigious event where the whole world comes together around common values, there should be no allusions that ridicule the religious beliefs of many people," the statement said, adding: "Freedom of expression ... finds its limit in respect for others."

Reactions were swift, with prominent figures speaking out. Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who comes from an Islamic-rooted party, said he would call Pope Francis to express his condemnation of the ceremony. He said it showed "immorality against all Christians".

Attacks have also come from former US President Donald Trump, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and a group of French bishops, who said the ceremony "mocks Christianity". All have expressed their displeasure, although the organisers issued a statement explaining the intention behind the ceremony's script: "There was no intention to offend anyone.

The Vatican did not mention specific parts of the opening ceremony, but the controversy has centred on a segment called "Festivity". It began with a group of dancers and drag queens seated around a long table. The organisers said it referred to a scene involving the famous god Bacchus, or the god of wine, and was not meant to offend Christians.

The show's artistic director, Thomas Jolly, said, "We wanted to send a message of love, a message of inclusion. Games organising committee spokeswoman Anne Descamps said on Sunday: "If anyone was offended, we are of course very, very sorry." The apology has been made, but the controversy continues.