Vatican: Say no to Da Vinci
Saturday, 29 Apr 2006 14:53
Vatican: Say no to Da Vinci
The Vatican has officially called for a boycott of The Da Vinci Code.
An official has called on Catholics to boycott the film, due for release in May, claiming it is offensive to Christianity. Monsignor Angelo Amato made the comments in a speech at the Pontifical Holy Cross University, which is run by the Opus Dei.
"I hope all of you boycott this film," he said.
The film, based on the book by Dan Brown, claims that Jesus was actually married to Mary Magdalene and had descendants, a fact that the Opus Dei and the Catholic Church covered up. Mr Amato told listeners that in any other faith, such as Islam, the offences against the beliefs would have caused worldwide revolt.
"If such lies and errors had been directed at the Koran or the Holocaust they would have justly provoked a world uprising," he said. "Instead, if they are directed against the Church and Christians, they remain unpunished."
The boycott is expected to have little effect. Cinemas around the world are preparing for the release of the movie to be a blockbuster following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17.
According to reports, the Catholic Church in the country of Malta, which is 98 per cent Catholic, has already prepared a guide to answer the controversial questions raised by the film.
