Catholic Bishops Conference of France have issued a statement regarding the opening ceremonies, last night: “In the run-up to the Paris Games, the Holy Cames project has been mobilizing a large number of Catholics for almost three years to share the sporting and popular fervor surrounding the Paris Games, this magnificent event organized by our country. Last week, we were delighted to organize the opening mass of the Olympic Peace, in the presence of numerous religious, political and sporting figures. We believe that the values and principles expressed and disseminated by sport and Olympism contribute to the need for unity and fraternity that our world so desperately needs, while respecting everyone's convictions, around the sport that brings us together and promotes peace among nations and hearts. Last night's opening ceremony, organized by the COJOP, offered the whole world some wonderful moments of beauty and joy, rich in emotion and universally acclaimed. Unfortunately, the ceremony included scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity, which we deeply regret. We thank the members of other religious denominations who expressed their solidarity with us. This morning, we are thinking of all Christians on every continent who have been hurt by the outrageousness and provocation of certain scenes. We want them to understand that the Olympic celebration goes far beyond the ideological biases of a few artists. Sport is a wonderful human activity that deeply delights the hearts of athletes and spectators alike. Olympism is a movement at the service of this reality of human unity and fraternity. Let the field of competition bring truth, consolation and joy to all!”