Dr. Mohammad Mahdi Imanipour, head of the Policy-making Council of Interreligious Dialogue in the Islamic Republic of Iran, has denounced the disrespect towards Christian sanctities at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
He emphasized that the sacredness and honor of divine religions and prophets, who embody God’s mercy and human salvation, are indisputable. Any affront to this sanctity is deplorable and condemnable, regardless of where it occurs.
“Recently, we witnessed an affront to Jesus Christ (PBUH) during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games hosted by France. It seems that the Olympics, which should foster cultural exchange, have become an opportunity for some anti-religious individuals in the West to address their egoistic complexes by attacking the sanctities held dear by faithful people worldwide,” he stated.
Dr. Imanipour stressed that this insult to Jesus Christ (PBUH) not only offended Christians but also stirred resentment among all monotheistic and righteous individuals globally. He compared this incident to the pain Muslims felt due to the repeated insults by Charlie Hebdo towards Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
He pointed out that some in France, under the guise of freedom of expression, have consistently hurt the sentiments of many worldwide by presenting a distorted interpretation of human rights.
“Today, we stand in solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters and firmly condemn this vile act of insulting Jesus Christ (PBUH), a blatant attack on religious sanctities that has been consistently denounced by religious leaders and figures.”
Dr. Imanipour also criticized the promotion of behaviors like homosexuality, which he described as against human nature, aiming to undermine the family institution during the Olympic Games. He argued that all divine religions advocate for a life aligned with human nature and committed family relationships, viewing the promotion of contrary lifestyles as a conspiracy by the enemies of humanity and religion.
“We express our solidarity with Christian leaders and thinkers, especially the Catholic community in France, and urge all monotheists and truly free people worldwide to condemn the insult to Jesus Christ and the promotion of immoral and anti-human life patterns at the Paris Olympic Games. The French government, as the host, must end this unjustifiable approach against religions and advocate for a healthy, divine lifestyle,” he concluded.
