Santiago, Chile, Mar 10, 2004 / 22:00 pm
After a private screening in the Chilean capital, bishops and priests expressed support for the movie The Passion of the Christ, rejecting accusations of anti-Semitism and explaining that the violence in the film is faithful to the Gospel. They are encouraging Chileans to go to theaters to see it and reflect on the love of God.
20th Century Fox organized the special screening at its offices in advance of the film’s March 18 release.
Bishop Juan Ignacio González of San Bernardo said those who saw the film expressed positive comments. “I think it is an excellent film to see during Holy Week to really enter into the subject. It personally impacted me greatly and I think it will impact people greatly as well,” he said.
Auxiliary Bishop Andrés Arteaga of Santiago said he felt “the movie is very powerful. I was moved, it’s remarkable. Although I expected something even stronger from all the talk about it. It is a film I believe will be good for many people. I was most moved by the attitude of the Virgin Mary and how Jesus looked at her, at those who betrayed him and at those who handed him over.”