Archbishop lauds Gibson’s film

The Catholic archbishop in Sydney, Australia, praised Mel Gibson’s controversial Crucifixion epic “The Passion of the Christ” for focusing attention on the meaning of Easter.

In an Easter message, Archbishop George Pell said the film “has focused public attention on the Christian understanding of the whole Easter season more effectively than any other event for years. Many who came to the Easter ceremonies this year came with a clearer vision.”

Gibson, meanwhile, made a surprise visit to the St. Joseph Home for the Aged in Louisville, Ky., this week to have lunch and attend a screening of the film for residents there, the Louisville Courier-Journal reported. He was in town on other business, the newspaper said.

The actor and filmmaker had to leave before the movie ended but called back that night to inquire about reaction, said Sister Gonzague, the administrator for the home. She told him the residents had been very touched.