The Holy See was saddened by certain scenes during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games and can only join the voices that have been raised in recent days to deplore the offence caused to many Christians and believers of other religions.

At a prestigious event where the whole world comes together to share common values, there should be no allusions ridiculing the religious convictions of many people.

The freedom of expression, which is clearly not called into question here, is limited by respect for others.