In a statement, Al-Azhar emphasised its absolute rejection of any actions that insult or demean the prophets and messengers of God, asserting that any insult towards them is a disgraceful act.

Al-Azhar highlighted that the scenes, which have ignited widespread global outrage, have been criticised for their insensitivity towards religious sentiments and high moral values.

It also expressed concern about the broader implications of such offensive portrayals, warning against the exploitation of global events to normalise insults to religion.

Furthermore, the institution warned that promoting such disrespectful imagery could pave the way for spreading homosexuality and transgenderism as destructive and shameful diseases that threaten moral and religious values.

Al-Azhar called for unity in confronting this deviant trend to undermine religion.

Earlier Sunday, the Middle East Council of Churches and the Evangelical Community in Egypt condemned these scenes, which they viewed as mocking Christian sanctities.

Religious conservatives from around the world also decried the segment, with the French Catholic Church’s conference of bishops deploring “scenes of derision” that they said made a mockery of Christianity. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova echoed a similar sentiment.

Meanwhile, the Paris Olympics organisers apologised to anyone offended by the tableau that evoked Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper" during the opening ceremony.

"There was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group," Paris 2024 Spokesperson Anne Descamps said, noting that they were trying to "celebrate community tolerance."

Descamps added that she apologizes to anyone who found certain scenes offensive, stressing that there was no intention to offend anyone.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it took note of the clarification given by the Paris 2024 Organising Committee and welcomed it.​