In the statement, the Holy See, i.e. the papal office in Rome, writes that it "cannot but join the voices that have been raised in recent days, to lament the offense that has been committed against many Christians and believers of other religions". This is reported by Norwegian NTB.
Several critics point out the similarities with Leonardo Da Vinci's Renaissance painting "The Last Supper" and believe that the interpretation was scornful and blasphemous towards Christianity.
However, the artistic leader of the ceremony, Thomas Jolly, has denied that the work is a nod to "The Last Supper".
It was not my source of inspiration. I think it's quite clear, said Thomas Jolly earlier to BFM TV.
The individuals in the number are instead supposed to be Greek gods from Olympus – the blue-painted singer-songwriter Philippe Katerine, for example, played the winged god Dionysos.
According to The Guardian, several art historians have identified the 17th-century painting "Le Festin des dieux" by the Dutch artist Jan van Bijert as a reference.
