Questioned o Archbishop of Athens and all Greece Mr. Ieronymos on the topic of the opening ceremony of Olympic Games in Paris, highlighted features: “All these are worthy of utter contempt.”

There were also reactions from the French Catholic Churchwho in her statement spoke of “mockery of Christianity”, expressing her deep regret.

“In the run-up to the Paris Games, the Holy Games project has mobilized for almost three years many Catholics who have come together to share the sporting excitement surrounding the Paris Games, a wonderful event organized by our country.

Last week, we were also happy to organize the opening liturgy of the Olympic truce in the presence of many religious, political and sports personalities.

We believe that the values ​​and principles expressed and spread by sport and the Olympic Games contribute to this need for unity and brotherhood that our world so desperately needs, with respect for everyone’s beliefs, around the sport that unites us and produces peace to the nations and their hearts.

The opening ceremony yesterday offered the whole world wonderful moments of beauty, joy, rich in emotions worldwide. But, unfortunately, the same ceremony also included scenes of mockery of Christianity which we deeply regret.

We thank members of other faiths who expressed their solidarity. Today, we think of all the Christians in all the continents of the world who were hurt by these scenes. They must understand that the Olympic celebration extends beyond the ideological prejudices of a few artists.

Sports is a wonderful human activity that deeply gladdens the hearts of athletes and spectators. Olympism is a movement that serves the reality of unity and brotherhood. May truth, consolation and joy bring everyone a place on the playing field.”