The Canonical Old Roman Catholic Clerical Directory

In his statement dated July 29, 2024, Archbishop Jerome Lloyd of Selsey expressed profound concern over elements of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony, particularly the “Festivité” segment. This segment, intended to depict a pagan feast with Dionysus arriving on a table, was perceived by many Christians as a mockery of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper.” The Archbishop highlighted that the portrayal, which included a DJ and LGBTQ+ performers in place of Jesus and the apostles, was seen as blasphemous and offensive. He also raised concerns about the inclusion of children in a sexualized context, questioning the appropriateness of such depictions. The Archbishop called for greater sensitivity and respect for religious symbols and traditions in global events.