The Holy See has expressed its sadness and regret at some parts of the 26 July opening ceremony for the Olympic Games in Paris
French Bishops lament ‘scenes mocking Christianity’ at Olympic Ceremony
An offense to Christians and other believers
“The Holy See was saddened by certain scenes during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games” the statement reads, “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.”
Freedom of expression limited by need for respect for others
The statement continues, “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.”
While insisting that freedom of expression is not being called into question, it explains that such freedom “is limited by respect for others.”
From VATICAN NEWS
Vatican Text (unofficial translation):
The Holy See is saddened by certain scenes from the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris and cannot but join its voice with the others that have raised in these last days to deplore the offense made to numerous Christians and believers of other religions. In a prestigious event where the entire world unites around common values, there must not be allusions ridiculing the religious beliefs of many people.The freedom of expression which, obviously, is not to be questioned, finds its limit in respecting others.
Original text:
Le Saint-Siège a été attristé par certaines scènes de la cérémonie d’ouverture des Jeux Olympiques de Paris et ne peut que se joindre aux voix qui se sont élevées ces derniers jours pour déplorer l’offense faite à de nombreux chrétiens et croyants d’autres religions. Dans un événement prestigieux où le monde entier se réunit autour de valeurs communes ne devraient pas se trouver des allusions ridiculisant les convictions religieuses de nombreuses personnes. La liberté d’expression, qui, évidemment, n’est pas remise en cause, trouve sa limite dans le respect des autres.