The event comes after several religious leaders around the world protested against several scenes from last week’s French opening ceremony.
Religious leaders have met in a interreligious Olympic ceremony in the Notre Dame de Paris cathedral. IOC President Thomas Bach and Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet were also present at the event, during which Bach asked believers to call for peace.
Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)declared at the meeting: “In this true olympic spirit, I appeal to all of you, whatever your faith. Let’s join the athletes in their appeal for peace“.
The celebration of the ceremony at Notre Dame served as a tribute to the first interfaith meeting organized by the founder of the Modern Olympic GamesPierre de Coubertin, a hundred years ago in Paris.
The act occurs after several religious leaders from around the world will protest last week against some scenes of the opening ceremony.
A segment of the opening ceremony that seemed to parody Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper with drag caused the reaction of religious conservativeswhich they considered mocked Christianity.
Controversial media personality Andrew Tate also criticized the scene, and attended a protest near the French embassy in Romania.
The spokesperson for Paris 2024Anne Descamps, apologized for the scene at a press conference: “It is clear that There was never any intention to disrespect any religious group.. “(The opening ceremony) tried to celebrate community tolerance.”
