Da Vinci Code Sequel Barred From Churches
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Rome’s diocese said Monday it has barred the producers of “Angels & Demons” from filming in two churches for the prequel to “The Da Vinci Code,” the popular book and film that angered many Catholic leaders.
Producers of the film, directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, were turned down because the movie “does not conform to our views,” a spokesman for the diocese, Monsignor Marco Fibbi, said.
The crew had asked to film in the churches of Santa Maria del Popolo and Santa Maria della Vittoria, two architectural jewels in the heart of Rome that include paintings by Caravaggio, sculptures by Bernini, and a chapel designed by Raphael.
Permission was denied in 2007, but the issue surfaced only now that filming is ongoing in Rome, Monsignor Fibbi said. The Sony-produced film was put on hold during the Writers Guild of America strike that ended in February and is now scheduled for release in May 2009.
