Erdogan Condemns 'Immoral' Olympics Ceremony in Call to Pope

Turkish President Erdogan criticized the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony in a call to Pope Francis, calling it immoral and disrespectful to sacred values. Some Christian groups were upset by a segment resembling 'The Last Supper,' despite organizers' apologies and clarifications. Erdogan emphasized the need for a united stance against such displays.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan criticized the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony during a call with Pope Francis, labeling it 'immoral' and an affront to sacred values, according to his office on Thursday. The criticism follows backlash from Christian groups and conservative politicians over a scene they felt parodied Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper.'

Paris 2024 organizers have issued apologies to Catholic and other Christian groups offended by the depiction, asserting there was no intent to show disrespect. Artistic Director Thomas Jolly explained the scene was inspired by a pagan feast linked to the gods of Olympus, not 'The Last Supper.'

On Tuesday, Erdogan announced his intent to contact Pope Francis, condemning the ceremony as a 'disgusting' insult to sacred values and an imposition of the 'LGBT lobby.' He expressed concern over what he sees as a moral decline globally, urging a united front in defense of human dignity and religious values. Erdogan's AKP party has taken a hard stance against the LGBTQ community, particularly during election campaign periods.

Erdogan's office reiterated on X that human dignity is being degraded under the guise of freedom and tolerance, offending both Muslims and Christians. He urged collective action to counter such incidents and preserve moral values.

(With inputs from agencies.)