featured News Trending

Vatican Expresses Sadness Over Olympic Ceremony Skit Mimicking the ‘Last Supper’

By 173 0

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

Art News Trending

Mona Lisa: Protesters throw soup at da Vinci painting

By 303 0

Environmental protesters targeted the iconic Mona Lisa at the Louvre in Paris, throwing soup at the protected artwork to emphasize their call for the right to “healthy and sustainable food.” The 16th Century masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, housed behind protective glass, remained undamaged despite the unconventional protest.

Video footage captured two female protesters, affiliated with a group called Riposte Alimentaire (Food Counterattack), tossing liquid at the painting and raising questions about the perceived prioritization of art over the fundamental right to nutritious food. The protesters, clad in T-shirts reading “food counterattack,” stood in front of the artwork, asserting concerns about the agricultural system and the challenges faced by farmers.

The Louvre promptly assured the public that the painting was unharmed, thanks to the security measures in place. The Salle des Etats, where the Mona Lisa is displayed, was evacuated, and the room reopened to visitors after cleaning at 11:30 local time. The museum announced its intention to file a complaint regarding the incident.

The group Riposte Alimentaire released a statement, posted on social media platform X, explaining that the protest was part of their broader efforts to integrate “food into the general social security system.” They argued that the current food model stigmatizes the most vulnerable and fails to respect the fundamental right to food. The group proposed the issuance of a monthly food card worth €150 (£128) for citizens to use on food.

France’s Minister for Culture, Rachida Dati, condemned the act, stating that “no cause” could justify targeting the Mona Lisa, emphasizing the painting’s status as part of the heritage for future generations. The incident occurred amid ongoing farmer protests in Paris, where demonstrators sought relief from rising fuel costs and simplified regulations, blocking key roads in and out of the city.

The Mona Lisa, housed in the Louvre since the early 1950s, has been shielded behind safety glass. In 2019, the museum installed a more transparent form of bulletproof glass to enhance its protection. This incident echoes a 2022 event when an activist threw cake at the painting, urging people to “think of the Earth.” The Mona Lisa’s history includes a notorious theft in 1911, with recovery two years later after the perpetrator attempted to sell it in Italy.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright