In a powerful open letter, Catholic cardinals and bishops from around the world have called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to repudiate and apologize for what they deem as an intentionally hateful mockery of the Last Supper during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The letter, signed by three cardinals and 24 bishops as of Friday, August 2nd, expresses shock and disappointment in the depiction of the Last Supper during the Summer Olympics' commencement in Paris. The prelates, including prominent figures like Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke and Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier, emphasized that the faith of over 2 billion people should not be casually and intentionally blasphemed.

While the majority of the signatories are from the United States, including distinguished figures like Archbishop Samuel Aquila and Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, bishops from Argentina, France, Ghana, Lebanon, Nigeria, Peru, and the United Kingdom have also lent their support to the letter.

The Catholic leaders demand that the IOC repudiate the alleged blasphemous action and extend an apology to all people of faith. They contend that such a display not only threatens individuals of various religious backgrounds and those with no religious affiliation but also paves the way for those in power to act without accountability.

The organizers of the letter have provided an email address, episcopimundi2022@gmail.com, for other bishops around the world to join in signing the document.

The Paris Olympics' opening ceremony on July 26th stoked global outrage due to scenes featuring drag queens that many interpreted as a mockery of the Last Supper. In response to the controversy, the artistic director responsible for the ceremony, Thomas Jolly, asserted that the scene was inspired by a pagan feast rather than the Last Supper. Jolly denied any intention of denigrating or offending any religious group.

An Olympics spokesperson, Anne Descamps, later expressed regret if any offense was taken, emphasizing that the opening ceremony aimed to celebrate community tolerance and not disrespect any religious group. However, at least one prominent Catholic leader, Bishop Robert Barron, dismissed this response as inadequate, asserting that the offense caused by the scene was intentional.

The letter's signatories have committed to observe a day of prayer and fasting as an act of reparation for what they viewed as blasphemy. In addition, they pledge to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, recalling Christ's passion, death, and resurrection, in accordance with the commandment given at the Last Supper.

The letter concludes with a prayer, hoping that those who abuse their power and those who have been harmed will embrace Christ's self-sacrificial love and work towards restoring peace, decency, and mutual respect in the world.

As the controversy surrounding the opening ceremony continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the IOC will respond to the demands made by the Catholic bishops worldwide.