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I said the Vatican washed its hands, not the Pope. In fact, we can't know at this point exactly how aware the Pope is of what's going on. But the Vatican bureaucrats closest to the Pontiff certainly placed political considerations above justice--just as Pilate did. Their backtracking left Gibson twisting in the wind, buffeted by still more bad publicity, after the Vatican press office had already given him the go-ahead to use the papal quote. That was despicable.

I do concede some good bishops have backed the film, but certainly not most--just as most apostles ran away rather than face the mob, but not all. John held his ground, perhaps a few others. The parallels are interesting. Nor is all of this finished in the way it will finally play out. I believe this film will shake many an orthodox cardinal from his lethargic sleep--perhaps in time for the next conclave to elect a pope. It will be interesting if such men will be sufficient in number to defeat the modernists.