Vatican 'saddened' by Olympics opening ceremony scenes

The Vatican said Saturday it was "saddened by certain scenes" at the Olympics opening ceremony that gave "offense" to Christians, as controversy rages over a segment some say lampooned Jesus' Last Supper.

The July 26 show included a scene featuring dancers and drag queens that some said was reminiscent of depictions of the Last Supper, the final meal Jesus Christ is said to have shared with his apostles. 

Although organizers have said they intended to portray a pagan feast led by the Greek god of wine, Dionysus, that explanation has not dulled the criticism. 

"The Holy See was saddened by certain scenes at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games and can only join the voices that have been raised in recent days to deplore the offense given to many Christians and believers of other religions," said the Vatican in a statement written in French. 

"In a prestigious event where the whole world comes together around common values there should not be allusions ridiculing the religious beliefs of many people," it said, adding that "freedom of expression... finds its limit in respect for others."

Earlier this week, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who hails from an Islamic-rooted party, said he would call Pope Francis to express his condemnation of the ceremony, saying it showed "immorality against all Christians".