"There was never any intention to show disrespect to any religious group," says communications director of Paris 2024, after one of the paintings at the opening ceremony offended the far-right and the Catholic episcopate. "If people have taken any offense, we are, of course, really, really sorry". According to a survey carried out by the IOC in 15 territories around the world, "88% approval rating for the opening ceremony," adds IOC spokesperson Mark Adams. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES