Mel Gibson puts the Vatican on hold

Posted Tuesday, December 2, 2003 at 9:40 AM Central

by John Couture

When the Vatican called earlier this week to inquire about screening Mel Gibson's new movie The Passion Of Christ during a special convention on spirituality in film, Gibson declined the request on the basis that the film was finished. Of course, the state of the film hasn't prevented Gibson from showing it to religious leaders from various different faiths here in America.

The decision may have something to do with his personal beliefs. Mel is part of a conservative Roman Catholic group that does not acknowledge the Pope's authority over the church. The film, which details the final hours of Jesus Christ's life has been drawing ire and raves in equal amounts from various religious leaders and critics. The latest affirmation of the film comes from American religious leader Billy Graham who caught a screening with Gibson himself.