By Charles Igwe
SIGNIS Africa, the Continental Branch of the World Catholic Association for Communication, has condemned the portrayal of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The organization, consisting of Catholic clergy, religious, and lay media professionals, aligns with the statement issued by Bishop Emmanuel A. Badejo, Bishop of Oyo, Nigeria, and President of the Pan African Episcopal Commission for Social Communications (CEPACS).
In his statement, Bishop Badejo criticized the use of contemporary ideological figures in place of the original religious depiction, calling it “shocking and disrespectful” to Christianity. He expressed concern over what he sees as a trend in Europe and America to trivialize Christian themes, which he believes undermines peace-loving Christians and disrespects the rich Christian heritage of France.
Bishop Badejo urged Christians to exercise their right to protest and boycott such representations to prevent further harm and division. He called on governing bodies and organizations to take responsibility for such offensive portrayals and to avoid actions that could cause more hurt in a fractured world.
SIGNIS Africa has encouraged its members to disseminate Bishop Badejo’s statement across the continent, expressing their collective displeasure with the Olympic organizers for the bizarre depiction.
