featured News Trending

The Vatican expressed its sadness regarding a skit from the Paris Olympics opening ceremony that appeared to parody Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” In a rare evening press release issued in French, the Holy See stated, “The Holy See was saddened by certain scenes at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games and cannot but join the voices raised in recent days to deplore the offence done to many Christians and believers of other religions.”

The segment from the July 26 ceremony depicted a scene resembling the biblical moment of Jesus Christ and his apostles at their final meal before the crucifixion, featuring drag queens, a transgender model, and a naked performer portraying the Greek god of wine, Dionysus.

Organizers of Paris 2024 issued an apology two days later, clarifying that there was no intention to disrespect any religious group. The artistic director of the segment explained that it was not inspired by the Christian Last Supper but rather a pagan feast associated with the historical Olympics.

The Vatican emphasized that in a prestigious event that unites the world around shared values, there should be no references that ridicule the religious beliefs of many. “Freedom of expression, which is obviously not called into question, finds its limit in respect for others,” they stated.

The Vatican did not specify why it took over a week to issue its statement following the opening ceremony. On August 1, Pope Francis spoke on the phone with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, during which they reportedly discussed the Paris event. While the Vatican later confirmed the call took place, it did not provide details on the content of their discussion.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Sports Trending

Turkish football authorities have decided to suspend all leagues following an incident where referee Halil Umut Meler was punched by MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca. The assault occurred after Ankaragucu conceded a late equalizer in a Super Lig match against Caykur Rizespor. Turkish FA chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi announced the indefinite postponement of all league matches, calling the attack a “night of shame for Turkish football.”

Meler, a respected referee, suffered injuries, including a minor fracture, after being punched and receiving blows from others on the pitch. The chaotic scenes led to the suspension of all matches, and Koca, who required hospital treatment, will face detention procedures. Several others involved in the incident have been arrested.

Turkey’s minister of internal affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, strongly condemned the attack and assured that detention procedures would be carried out. Meler and Koca both received medical attention, with Meler’s injuries reported as non-life-threatening.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack, emphasizing that violence has no place in sports and expressing wishes for Meler’s speedy recovery. MKE Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor issued apologies and messages of support for Meler, while the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) vowed to take strict action against Ankaragucu and its officials.

TFF chairman Buyukeksi stressed that football matches are not a war and urged everyone to take responsibility, announcing severe punishments for Ankaragucu and its management. The incident prompted Galatasaray, a prominent club, to call for an emergency meeting to address growing issues in Turkish football. Referee associations and football clubs expressed solidarity against violence, with the TFF aiming to make Turkish football a safer environment.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of the Eurasian country of Turkey, has urged his citizens to boycott goods made in France, which recently toughened its stand on radical Islam.

Mr. Erdogan has criticized the new stand, adopted by France, as an attempt to oppress the Muslim community of the European country.

He has urged the world leaders to protect the Muslim community of the European country of France.

Recently, French President Emanuel Macron asserted that he would go to any extent to protect the secular values his country upholds.

The assertion came at the time his government was facing criticism for its failure to prevent the murder of Samuel Paty, a teacher who was beheaded for displaying a cartoon during a session on Free Speech.

The French President has paid tribute to the murdered teacher.  

Photo Courtesy: Google/ images are subject to copyright