Management of UK Pizza & More apologizes to Christian community following forced closing over controversial ‘Last Supper’ advertisement

ARBA’ILO, Kurdistan Region of Iraq — “It’s too late for regret” may best describe the case of UK Pizza & More in Arba’ilo (Erbil), Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), after authorities ordered the restaurant’s closure for using Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper painting in an advertisement titled “The Last Slice,” depicting Jesus and his disciples before the crucifixion.

Following the closure, the restaurant issued an official statement apologizing to Christians for the advertisement and the offense it caused. Management clarified that the image had not been intended to insult or disrespect anyone, attributing the decision to an error by the marketing team, who used the artwork without recognizing its religious and historical significance.

The statement further emphasized that measures had been put in place to ensure such mistakes would not be repeated, stressing the restaurant’s respect for all religions and communities.

The controversy comes at a time when business owners in the region are experimenting with creative advertising strategies. Experts warn, however, that the use of religious imagery in such contexts can easily provoke offense, particularly in Middle Eastern societies where faith and symbols of belief carry profound cultural and spiritual weight.

For Christians — especially within Eastern Orthodox and Catholic traditions — icons and sacred paintings of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and saints hold deep theological and devotional significance. They are not regarded as objects of worship but as windows into faith, helping believers feel closer to the divine by presenting Christ in a form that resonates with every culture.