A top Vatican Cardinal has defended Mel Gibson's controversial new film about the last day of Jesus Christ's life, rejecting claims it promotes anti-Semitism.
Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyes praised 'The Passion' as "a triumph of art" and rejected fears it could spark a wave of anti-Semitism.
"I would gladly trade some of the homilies that I have given about the passion of Christ for even a few of the scenes of his film," he said.
Prominent Jewish leaders and members of America's Anti-Defamation League have expressed concerns that the movie could incite racial disharmony for depicting Jews as responsible for the death of Christ.
The film is based on Gospel narratives and contains dialogue only in Latin, Hebrew and Aramaic, the vernacular of ancient Palestine. It is due for release next Spring.
