Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan expressed his strong disapproval of the recent Olympics opening ceremony in a call to Pope Francis, describing the event as “immoral” and a mockery of sacred values. This reaction stemmed from a controversial segment of the ceremony in Paris that was perceived by some Christian groups and conservative politicians as a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” causing widespread offense.
Erdogan, speaking with Pope Francis, emphasized the need for a unified stance against such displays, which he argued undermine religious and moral values. “The immoral shows during the ceremony have caused an uproar,” Erdogan stated, underscoring the disrespect to religious values and the broader implications for moral decay in society. The Turkish president’s office highlighted that this incident is a stark reminder of the moral degradation facing the world today.
In response to the backlash, the organizers of Paris 2024 issued apologies to Catholics and other Christian groups, clarifying that the segment was intended to celebrate tolerance rather than offend any religious beliefs. Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the opening ceremony, clarified that the scene was inspired by a pagan feast associated with the gods of Olympus, not “The Last Supper.”
Erdogan has been vocal about his views on the LGBTQ community, describing it as a “perverse” trend. This incident has further fueled his rhetoric, linking the portrayal in the ceremony to what he perceives as an imposition of the “LGBT lobby.” He argued that human dignity is being compromised under the guise of freedom of expression and tolerance, a sentiment that resonates with his Islamist-rooted AKP party’s tougher stance towards the LGBTQ community.
The Turkish leader’s remarks reflect the broader cultural and political tensions surrounding LGBTQ rights and religious values. Erdogan’s call to Pope Francis was a plea for solidarity against what he perceives as an erosion of moral standards. His administration continues to navigate these contentious issues, balancing between conservative values and the pressures of modern societal norms.
