The book is TRASH. It is totally DEMEANING. I read The Da Vinci Code and I loved it. However, Angels & Demons is too much. It insults the Catholic faith as well religions of similar concepts. How can an author combine religion, murder, and SEX all in one? Totally unacceptable and TRASHY.

Julia, San Jose, USE

What I think is so funny is that his books about religion bring readers in too take a look at all religions, not so much catholic. Makes people want to explore what the truths are. Like everyone else, it is fiction, a novel that is sparking people to talk about God, what is wrong with that!

Micki, LaVusta,

try reading it? I think this book is pretty sympathetic to the vatican. The pope and preists are all decent men only one crazy person who is denounced.

ayla, london,

It's fiction. People will watch it, whether they're Catholic or otherwise. The Vatican could have embraced it and charged normal location rates, like Lincoln Cathedral did in DaVinci Code. They accepted it was fiction and no historical basis.... their response was generally well received.

Craig, UK,

Angels and Demons is far more different than the Da Vinci Code. People are smart to recognize what they truly believe ..
<br/>it is true faith that will guide them at the end of the day...for one thing the filming of Angels and Demons is purely beneficial ecocnomically for the vatican itself.

Elaine, NY, USA

This is the Time to make the world understand that Christianity is not about people pleasing rather its about WORSHIPPING THE TRUE GOD.. so their is no room left for Being "Nice" to any UNGODLY activities... no matter how famous or accepted act it is in the world... I APPRECIATE Rome's response !

David, TX, USA

The da vinci code did go against the church but this book doesnt. Have any of the people on here spouting the 'this film is sacriligious and only for money' ever read it. The vatican have embarrased themselves by condeming the book having not read the script.

Dan, UK,

Kudos to the Vatican for their integrity and character. It is really refreshing. It would be nice if someone on behalf of "Angel's and Demons" apologized (not publicly) to the Vatican.

Jessica, Corpus Christi, USA

if some one filming something on my premises that insults my family then surely i have the right to stop them. The curch has taken a lot of criticism, insults from the world over. I think it is time they stan dup and defend the faith. Trash movies anyway, i rather watch iron man.

georges, bath, uk

let 2000 years pass, if there're still ppl who look for fictional answers & need a "GOD" to cover for their uselss brains ... then maybe then the fiction books from now will function as their Holy Books ... That's what Bible & other holy books are,aren't they? Some true stories mixed with fairytales

Pervin, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Luis Alvarez, Omaha...
The only way that the Church was able to convert Europe was by appropriating the old Pagan festivals and incoporating them into Christianity. For example, the Christmas story conveniently fitted with the Pagan festival of Yule. Same with Easter etc - all originally Pagan.

Kelly, York, England

Freedom of speech? The West is making a complete fool out of itself.

When the dutch make the movie depicting an alien religion, its okay but when the American depict a common religion, its not.

How did they work this out.

Saad, Karachi, Pakistan

I have read both books and they didn't endanger my Catholic faith. Both movies will be flops. What disturbs me is how a legitimate Vatican decision brings out so much bigotry and hypocrisy. Even atheist historians say these books are clever fiction.

Mike, Iowa , USA

May God forgive those who continually bash the Vatican and all of Christianity for upholding morals, faith, and the truth, for they know not what they are doing. Does anybody remember Sodom and Gomorrah?

Sandy, Little Rock, USA

It's the Church's Property. What part of that don't you understand?????

John Locke, Houston, USA

I've read and enjoyed Dan Brown's novels. I'm also a practicing Catholic. I agree with the Vatican's decision. Dan Brown is entertaining but at worse he's anti-Christian at best he's anti-Catholic. If you don't like the Catholic teachings, join another church. The church is more than the Vatican.

David, Kailua, HI, USA

I agree with the Vatican and feel that they are doing the right thing by banning the filming of the movie in the churches. This kind of movie should not be filmed in any house of worship and certainly not the Vatican

Robert Thomas, Kentucky, USA

Bravo!

Dr. William Green, Edmonton, Canada

What is the brouhaha about? I am not religious, but the Vatican is entirely entitled not to allow some Hollywood production that trashes its teachings to film on its property.
That is entirely reasonable. Now, I would like to see Dan Brown writing a film insulting islam and compare the reaction.

Willi Brix, Flensburg, Germany

I have read both books and consider them an airline read. They are easy to second guess in plot and has the literary merit of an Enid Blyton. However they are both fiction and unless you try to read truth into the fairly banal storylines I find nothing repugnant to the great Catholic faith.

Peter, Brisbane, Australia

Hollywood produces two kinds of films: one for the Jerry Springer Show attendee types; and one that promotes a far left ideology attacking traditional values. Add the two together and you've got garbage marketed as art.

George, Lansing,

The Catholic Church is not obligated to accomodate its enemies in it churches anymore than I am required to provide my enemies food and shelter. Build a fake church set at Dreamworks for a fake movies for Forest Gump.

Vlad Tepes, Houston, USA

I find the Vatican's refusal hardly newsworthy. Would the U.S. Congress allow a filmaker to use the Capitol Building the production team had previously produced "as true" a movie showing that the Constitution was a fraud? The UN have its building used for a movie showing UN officials mutilated?

Carl Dante, Dallas, USA

I think the Vatican did the smart thing. I like Tom Hanks but most of these films are trashy, vulgar, filled with profanity and smutty or lewd behavior. You don't have to tell them to go to hell because they're already on that road. I'm sick of morally bankrupt trashy movies.

Bob Faust, St Paul, USA

Good for the Vatican. Hanks & crew might have the freedom to produce whatever offensive material they want, but that doesn't mean anyone is obligated to help them.

Tim G., cuyahoga falls, USA

The degradation of all things holy and the generally accepted fashionable decadance of today's culture, particularly in Hollywood, has swallowed up an entire generation all for cash made fast on the backs of the devout who are mocked and abused, along with their practices and institutions. Enough.

Rita, OK City , USA

Has anybody who is criticizing the book actually read it? It's a while since I have ,but fron what I remember Robert Langdon SAVES the Vatican and Catholic Church from destruction. I don't recall the book being anti-religious. OK,there is some implicit criticism of the Church.Can't see the problem.

Roy, Madrid, Spain

Amazing the levels of hate and ignorance displayed by the left. If it in any way can be deemed as religious, they fabricate from their standard script, any of their "truths and myths" hyperbole to the most inane. When the left cannot substantiate a point they ALWAYS turn to Ad hominem attacks.

Randy, South Jordan, United States

Tom Hanks peaked in Bosum Buddies

P. Scolari, Hollywood,

It's probably a hard concept for some of you to grasp, but there is no obligation for anyone, or any organization, to open its doors to permit those who would ridicule or defame it, to do so. The act of exercising your property rights is not censorship.

NCMike, Waxhaw, USA

The Catholic Church has a set of beliefs that you can agree or disagree with. As the Church holds itself to be the arbiter of truth, not simply tolerance, it's both just and honorable for the Church to defend those truths. God bless the Church for standing up for its beliefs.

Marcy, Burlington, USA

I have to wonder of the vatican doesn't own a piece of either "Angles and Demons" or "The Da Vinci Code". The fuss and stink the church made about either movie was probably worth an extra fifty million at the box office.

Mark, St. Louis, USA

Why should anybody be obliged to let their property be used for a profit venture based on a badly written book full of old rubbish.

S Jaeger, London, UK

oh god yet another great piece of literature utterly ruined by hollywood. nevermind.

"I love the Pope, I love seeing him in his Pope-Mobile, his three feet of bullet proof plexi-glass. That's faith in action folks! You know he's got God on his side!! " ( The Late Bill Hicks)

samarius, Leeds,

Anybody who has taken a good history course (on Christianity) can see that Dan's book is not based on history at all. It is a complete fabrication, to make people skeptical of Christianity. Too bad people get their history from novels with a religious agenda (New Age) instead of historians!

Ryan, San Jose , USA

The lies that have been circulated for so long aboutthe Catholic Church have made it imperative for anyone who cares about TRUTH to go to the source material and read for themselves. The Church has nothing to hide and you have everything to gain. The Holy Eucharist is either the real or fiction.

Michael Rizzio, Corpus Christi, USA

I think the vatican is right. why should they put their stamp of approval on a work of fiction by letting it be filmed in their churches? If someone isnt aware that its fiction they need the vatican to be clear. And this is clear. they say its blasphemous.

Noel, Limerick, Ireland

Good for the Vatican, they had every reasonable right! I read the articles that defend the movie because The Da Vinci Code is fiction, but be honest. It caused enourmous controversy because scores of people happily supported its religious theories as truth (including many people who I knew).

frances, Georgia, USA

Im surprised they even made another 'davinci code' film anyway - the first one was so bad that 50% of my friends who came to see it with me fell asleep. I also think the Catholic church has far greater problems than this film...

Nick, London, GB

What do you mean 'a film based on a work of fiction'? That's exactly what religion is -- a complete work of fiction -- and it has caused untold damage and death to people over thousands of years, and continues to fleece people and trample on their freedoms. Religion is the biggest fiction there is

Paul Downes, Milton Keynes, Bucks

Hi Gary of Port St. Lucie, USA

I will not deny that there are some threads of evidence for parts of the bible but similarly there is evidence in support of Dan Brown's books.

Vinay Mehra, Purley, Surrey

The ideas in both films have come from years of research in to the history of the catholic church and its beginnings. who cares weather or not one person is right and one person is wrong. If you think the film is blasphemous, dont watch it. the only reservation i have is about Tom Hanks as Langdon!

James, London,

Surely the Vatican taking this stance will only serve to publicise the film? A film which is based on works of fiction? I'm sorry, I have never read the book(s) or seen the film but from what I hear/read it appears that the Vatican's stance on this is poorly advised?

dom, Leeds,

Oh please, it's a STORY--it's just a work of fiction, folks. Get over yourselves. You're probably the same people that make a lot of noise about Harry Potter promoting the Occult, or The Golden Compass books trying to turn kids into Atheists.

It's. Just. Fiction.

Brittany, Houston, USA

Doesn't take much to shake the religious nuts out of the trees, does it?

Fred, Rome, Italy

Rich history??Anglicanism was born out of lust.The not-so-all-mighty Henry VIII wanted to divorce Katherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn and wasn't gonna get permission from the Pope.Plain and simple. Hey,I´d like to marry 10 beauty queens, maybe I should start my own religion,do you reckon?

Sérgio, Lisbon, Portugal

If the church had come right out and said "don't be silly no-one should make a fuss about these books as they are only works of FICTION" then most would have just got on with their lives unaffected. The church has used indignation as propaganda - which in the end only feeds into Dan Browns pockets.

Karen, Gosport, UK

whats harder believe ? the church has lied to us for thousands of years or J.C married and had kids ?????

mat, melton, australia

I will be exercising my freedom by continuing to boycott all of Dan Brown's books, movies based on those books, actors performing in those movies, products of companies producing those movies.

Ray, Pymble, Australia

ray barbero, Pymble, Australia

The thing is - the whole point of these films and books is to get people to talk and discuss and disagree and shout and argue.
Guess the media is one up!! It's publicity enough whatever the factual fictional moral rights or wrongs are!
My moneys on it being watched despite the controversy!

Lou, London,

The Vatican has banned a prequel to , "The Da Vinci Code" in it's grounds or any church in Rome. Why not allow it , indeed. If God is so all powerful let him stop it. What's that old saying? "Send them to heaven let God sought 'em out up there".

Tony Cox, Liverpool, England

Why won't Hollywood try making a film that attacks or questions Islam?? Why is it that Christians get all the flak in these films? Of course no-one would dare criticise Islam as everyone would be up in arms about discrimination & inciting violence. One law for one and one for another, it seems

Nick Parker, Royal Tunbridge Wells, England

The Pope and Dan Brown are both wrong: the former to ban a film, the latter to make it. Brown is the bigger culprit - this stupid ersatz mythopoesis is out of place in the modern world. In contrast the simple truths of the New Testament are a refreshing contrast, even to an atheist like me.

Kevin Straw, Leicester,

Great - this is going to achieve one thing and one thing only - it's going to give yet more publicity to what will be a really crappy film.

I mean for God's sake - the whole point of the crappy books and the even crappier films is that the Vatican is bad, that the Catholic church is wrong!!!

Ryan, Jersey,

I think you believe what you like and let others believe what they wish also. The most astounding thing to me about this debate is the number of posters who are describing Dan Brown as 'genius' and 'visionary' - the guy is a hack writer with some of the most bland, stilted prose since JK Rowling!

Mark, Melbourne, Australia

How sad, bigotry is alive and well, especially in a certain part of the world. I'm sure Jesus would not approve.
There's much good in the teachings of all the great faiths, yet sadly it's often been hijacked by the extremists over the centuries to create terror and sadness - not least by clerics.

Mark Winspear, Kettering, ENGLAND

So the Vatican is peeved and wants a boycott eh....

Note to self: Must go see.

Richad, Jersey, CI,

To quote Robert Heinlein "God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent — it says so right here on the label. If you have a mind capable of believing all three of these divine attributes simultaneously, I have a wonderful bargain for you. No checks, please. Cash and in small bills."

Michael , Stockholm, Sweden

A lot of Gullible people believe what they see in films and
on TV
Just look at the effect war of the worlds had in the USA decades ago.
I have no faith but would defend those that do,its called freedom of choice and the church is exercising their freedom to choose not to co-operate

Michael Wi, Telford, England

as an non--Christian i am saddened by the lack of religious tolerance and anti- catholic postings. none of you are prohibited from reading the book or seeing the movie, so why bash the Vatican's decision ? grant others the same freedoms you want for yourselves.....

carina kennard, durban, south africa

R. Denton of Texas - lovely to see you are a true Texan Bush yourself! The Protocols of the Agents of Zion has been proven to be a forgery produced by Tsarist police to discredit Russian Jewish society and justify murderous pogroms - Brown's worst crimes are against punctuation and plot structure.

Oliver, London, UK

JM Hoeber - this piece is about the Vatican not allowing a film crew in, so why the attack on Britain? If you loath us so much why are you reading out newspapers?

PJW, London, UK

All Hail Dan Brown, an innovative, visionary filmmaker! Thank God there are films which reveal the true nature of the circumstances surrounding people's worship of this invisible little man who lives in the sky and sees everyone at once, and in whose name countless lives have been needlessly lost.

Matthew, Chicago, USA

"Apparently most of Britain is religiously illiterate and proud of it. Try attacking islam.

MJ Hoeber, Orlando, USA"

We're not religiously illiterate, we just have a long and rich history of religious schism and genocide. We outgrew the childish need for a 'man in the sky' a long, long time ago.

Dan, London,

Well things have changed. The sin of disagreeing with "the" church used to be excommunication,, the inquistion, execution - Ask Gallileo.

Chris, Ashford, Middx, England

Which has more facts wrong? The bible or one of Dan Brown's books? Both are fiction. Those that think can rate them for what they are worth.

Chris, Ashford, Middx, England

The Roman church doesn't have to open its doors to film crews, especially film crews who are involved in mythical stories that undermine the very tenets of that church. So why the attacks on the church? Apparently most of Britain is religiously illiterate and proud of it. Try attacking islam.

MJ Hoeber, Orlando, USA

Both sides are based on works of fiction. Personally, I find Dan Brown's more entertaining, although those wacky costumes the clergy wear are comical.

Tom, San Francisco, USA

I stay away from most of Hollywood's trash. A good superhero movie every now and then is okay but most of what they put out isn't worth the money or the time to sit and waist watching.

Pete, Woodbridge, USA

Interesting. So many comments about the Catholic Church trying to stop something - Stop what? It appeas it simply says it won't allow its property to be used as movie sets. So what? Why should it? Too bad we have so little ability to think these issues through & instead knee jerk condemn.

Robert, Seattle, USA

It is time the Catholic Church started to defend itself. It is also past the time for Catholics to stop tolerating the endless attacks against them and their faith. Why doesnt Tom Hanks do a film bashing gays and see how his "art" is accepted in Hollywood.

marvin destin, san francisco, cal, usa

I bet Andy Griffith shakes his head when he sees the path Opie has taken.

Hayes, Bristol, Wi

Hmm for once I can't argue with the church on this one. If somebody was making a film that lambasted me, I would cooperate with them either.

Chris, Sylvania, USA

Good for the Vatican... I used to like Ron Howard and Tom Hanks. Down with Hollywood!

Kevin O'Malley, Yodle,

It's about time the Church stands up to Hollywood! I think it's about time the world stands up to hellywood. How many shows are on TV you won't allow your kids/family watch???? Trash in trash out. Is anyone awake out there?
Pam
Texas

pam, houston, texas

"A robust religion need not worry about nay-sayers and doubters.
Perhaps the Roman Catholic church is feeling rather vulnerable to criticism these days. Roger Bingham, Lauzun, France"
Would you say the same if Israel refused to be a backdrop for a film based on The Protocols of the Elders of Zion?

Robert, Denton, Texas

i had no idea so many modern folk were around when people were writing the bible. the bible is a grand collection of fables. nothing more. anybody who thinks it is *pure* truth is unforgivably deluded for refusing to think for themselves (and employ such things as logic and reasoning). eeesh.

drew, chicago,

It's their property. You people criticizing their decision are hypocrits - you are the censors!

Tony, NJ, USA

I have notice some comments mentioning that it is only a film, chill. Well then if it"s only a film, why in the world are they wanting to film in the Vatican? Can't they do like other films I've seen be made in another location? I'm a Catholic that is glad they have been banned from filming there!!!

Darlene, Traverse City, , USA

I bet Salman Rushdie wishes he had mentioned the Catholic Church and not Mohammed in his book.

Luigi Vercotti, Houston, USA

Apparently it is now fun to bash the Catholic Church & all of its members, in fiction or otherwise. It's possible for a radio host to make an off-handed joke on any group & lose his job; but defame the Catholic Church & those same people scream freedom of expression & how dare we we take offense.

Armando Torres, Monterey Park, USA

These liberals are right! And they're consistent, too. They're always saying the same thing about "Birth of a Nation" and "Jud Suss" to blacks and Jews respectively.

Who cares, after all, that they got "a few facts wrong." It's just a movie, right? They shouldn't take themselves so seriously.

Dutch Hedrick, Chapel Hill NC, USA

Is Tom Hanks a "has-been"? As his face widens, that youthful charm has diminished, it would seem. Younger actors like Harrison Ford remain top entertainers. Or, perhaps, Hank's agent isn't earning his pay, if the agency can do no better than Dan Brown's proven offensive efforts. How sad for Hanks.

R. Wolf, Milton, United States of America

Apropos of the invincible ignorance of many of the comments coming from the UK about the Catholic Thing, Henry VIII has a lot to answer for.

John Gillis, Sioux City, Iowa, USA

Bravo! I also wonder, what religion does Hanks practice?

Barbara, KC, Ks., USA

If the Jesus people had their say along with the other "Peoples of the Book", Hanks and the author and anyone connected to them would be burned at the steak or beheaded....Just because it is the 21st Century is no reason to believe that religious whackos have changed.

jack, los angeles, USA

Three cheers for the Vatican,
At least one of the Orthodox faiths is willing to make a stand (we need to see more like it). Our poor Anglican brothers are having to deal with the marriage of 2 homosexual priests today, pray for their church. Hanks has allowed his fame to go to his head.

Dr. Mark, PAPILLION, USA

Dan Brown is a lousy writer, Tom Hanks can't act , and the Pope is an antiquated agent of misery. Storm in a teacup, anyone?

kevin william armstrong, gloucester, australia

It isn't so much that some Limeys are anti-Catholic....they are just a bunch of pseudo-intellectual snobs who want to dismiss all religion. However, they only have guts enough to attack Christianity. Let's see these cowards attack Judaism and Islam!

Erin G. Bragh, Sioux City, IA, USA

It's comical reading-"the Bible is fiction! It's fiction!" I picture them w/crossed arms, eyes shut and heads shaking violently stomping their feet while yelling those words. Study-Josephus, Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr, and others! GOD BLESS BENEDICT XVI & OUR LORD'S CHURCH!

Leonard Merino, San Antonio, TX, USA

I'm not a Catholic. I'm not even a Christian but I fully support the Vatican's position. They are fully entitled to defend their faith and if they want to prohibit Ron Howard from filming in any of their properties, I support them 100%.

Patricia Graham, albuquerque, usa

Intresting comments concerning the "anti-religion", specifically Catholic, folks out there. I think religion is strong enough to survive this latest asttack. What is more intresting is that NO ONE ever converts to become an athiest on their deathbed. I wonder why?

Troy, Atlanta, U.S.A.

One would do well discerning fact from fiction and the vatican certainly has the right to deny T om Hanks admission. If Tom wanted to do a factual movie on the inquisition would the Roman church open it's doors to him? --jws

Joseph, Mesa, U.S.A.

As a Catholic do I scoff at Atheists. Seriously yes. Atheists are going to die with no memory at all of their own lives. In their own words, love dies, that they go out of existence. So why listen to their views, if all they are is a bit of flesh that walks? They are dead, dumb and irrelevant. Bless

Tony Martin, Manchester, England

I'm not Catholic, or any religion to be honest. And frankly I think religion in general is a bit nutty and very devise to be nice. But, I fully support the decision. You can't come to my house and trash me either.

kareem, Albuquerque, U.S.A.

It's the Vatican's property. They can say who is admitted and for what reason. If someone wanted to come into your house to make a film twisting and distorting what you believe, would you welcome them with open arms?

Jeff, Albuquerque, USA

....don't forget how many books the catholic church has burned in the past....imagine how many books they wish they could burn to save their powerful illusion for the future...down with all religion...its houses are defiled and not in order. all schools of thought have been twisted and distorted...

tim, san francisco, usa

Free publicity that money just couldn't buy. "Banned by the Vatican." Time to add another twist to the story line. "The bones of JC will give us the DNA of God." You could make it up.

Andrew Milner, Karuizawa, Japan

The movie "The Da Vinci Code" was tasteless, plodding, ponderous, mythically preposterous and boring. It had no relationship to the religious faith it purported to portray. It is too bad that people had to waste their time with it. Good call by the Vatican.

Patrick C., Irvine, USA

What are the snake oil salesmen at the Vatican so worried about. The faithful will always believable despite all evidence to the contrary.

Bruce Northwood, Washington, D.C., USA

The Church is right to refuse filming permits, especially in its most imperative and religious locations. The novel completely distorts the Church in unimaginable ways; did you really believe the Vatican would allow Hollywood to just give the go-ahead and film in St. Peters & the Necropolis etc??

Charlie, Bristol,

It's about blankety blank time the Catholic Church stood up for itself and its beliefs.It is now showing some pride.The church is not here to be social workers (although it has done the bulk of that job in this country). It's purpose is to teach about and follow Jesus Christ. Did I use the "J" word?

Bill Cabot, Newark,

I don't give a wet fart about anything the Vatican says about anything...

Bob Russell, Winnipeg, Canada

So if they wanted to say shoot a movie about priests raping small boys or tacitly allowing jews to be killed it would be o.k then to film in a church?or perhaps a movie about how rich the Roman Catholic church is?

Joe, Las Vegas, US

to be tempted by adultery would include pre-marital sex. Jesus did not have to be married and was not.

trent, DENVER, USA

Sounds like the fundamentalist Muslims all over again. Don't dare disagree with anything the promulagate or you will go to Hell.

Barry Hall, San Marino, USA

Lynette from Chicago- How well did official secularism work for the old USSR? And China? Cuba, the old Iron Curtain countries... no doubt they were overflowing with peace and understanding. Your comment is ignorant of basic historical reality.

Chris, Madison, WI, USA

As a Christian I would like to point out that none of Dan Browns books actually insult god or Jesus, only the institution of greed and folly of the corrupt men who used The message to enslave humanity for almost a thousand years. I love God I love Jesus
The religion Of man's creation is corrupt

Charles, wellington, newzealand

I'm dismayed that the Church feels threatened by a good yarn...or a good movie.

Bodie, Columbia, Mo,

Wow this is the nuttiest discourse I've ever heard. Hollywood has brought us Whites in Black face, glorified violence, personified all Arabs as terrorist, hispanics as illegals, and Tom Cruise as "The Last Samurai". And NOW you're offended?! It's okay as long as it's not YOUR religion, or YOUR ideas

kareem, Albuquerque, U.S.A.

WOW and every story has two sides......guess not.

How can fiction be inaccurate? Secondly with out the heresay how would the church accumulated so much wealth? Who claimed all of the wealth of the dead?

Ahhh, i get it all the films that say nice things about the church are ok.....right....

Glen, Cambridge,

I applaud the Catholic Church for its refusal to pander to Hollywood.
As for Dan Brown, I read his books, and found them lacking in every way. They failed to entertain, and they were irritating in that they misrepresented history. They were all, in a word, tedious.

Kelly M. L., Palo Alto, CA, USA

Though I have read and enjoyed both of the Dan Brown books, I can understand that both may offend certain people. However this type of publicity is free and will just make people (including myself) want to go and see the film. Why can't religious nuts write/make books/films that people want to see?

eddie robinson, davis, ca,us,

To David in Perth: Where are they censoring anything? Can't you still go down to the local booksellers and buy one of Browns mediocre books? If the Vatican refuses to deal with Browns crappy movies/books, that IS their perogative.

Can't says I blame them.

Rick W, Seattle, WA, US

Hollywood is populated by prostitutes...of ideas and morality. Bravo to the Vatican.

An Ashamed American

Oatley, Westerville, usa

I'm not Catholic, nor have I every wanted to be, but I applaud the Vatican's denial of consecrated ground for a film based on one of Brown's anti-religious fantasies. As to the Illuminati, et al., that kind of stuff is really Brown's domain, though Opus Dei is nothing to fool around with!

Erasmus, Austin, USA

If it is a work of fiction, as so many people say here trying to justify their point of view, let them film in fictional churches.
All fiction but their cynicism. Well done, Vatican.

Tato Dulanci, Vitoria, Spain

What is the Vatican trying to hide?

Lorenzo, Los Angeles, USA

Read the real history before you start spouting errors about the True Church.The Church has nothing to fear for it is protected and guided by the Holy Spirit. I dare you all to read the actual doctrines. You may be surprised by the truth she teaches. Barbaric Europe was converted by the Church.

Luis Alvarez, Omaha, USA

Just so's the Vatican doesn't have to look it up:

Main Entry: fic·tion
Pronunciation: \&#712;fik-sh&#601;n\
Function: noun
1 a: something invented by the imagination or feigned; specifically : an invented story

"Invented story" means "not real". Get over it...

R.T, NY, USA

If the RC church wants to censor the filming in their churches, who cares? They are basically museums anyway. Fewer people believe the medieval hooey that is promulgated by religion today than ten years ago. If the world was secular, there would be greater peace and understanding on this earth.

lynette, chicago, usa

I am glad. The Catholics should not have to put up with this any more. Christians in general are dissed by Hollywood and it needs to stop. Tom Hanks should be ashamed.

Patti, Santa Curz, Ca

I am in full agreement with the Vatican. Why invite someone into your home to knowingly insult you.

Sarah, Maryland, USA

It's about time the Church stood up to these Hollywood losers who treat our faith as a joke.

gerard, el paso, usa

The Bible says Jesus was tempted in 'all things'. This means that in order for Him to be tempted by adultery, he'd of had to be married. And having kids would have been perfectly normal, then.

People just don't think.

Bane, Corvallis, USA

It is a work of fiction for ..... sake!! Who cares about the obvious contridictions and fallacousys and lies ?? (Now guess whether i'm talking about the book, the film or the religion)

Ben Andrews, Brisbane,

Dan Brown and Ron Howard should get together and make a movie about Mohammad. Not Tom Hanks, I like his work too much.

Del, Seattle,

I believe that should be the Platte River--not Plate River--in America.

Maurine, Omaha, USA

Really nothing to worry about. If Angels & Demons is as boring as Davinci Code, no one will see it.

Victor, Chicago, USA

Make no mistake, Satan has many ways to distance us from God. This is certainly one of them. Why can't people make films, write books etc. that GLORIFY our Creator? Who needs to waste their time reading or viewing material that does NOTHING to GLORIFY God?

Love GOD and HE will love you!

Stephen, Severna Park,

Give to Caesar what is Caesar's. Give to God what is God's. I think filming should not be allowed in any Church, especially, movies with murders. It's an insult to all good free thinking people. The people who built these churches were you're mothers and fathers - I think they would be very upset.

Aedan , Boston,

I wonder if Ron Howard and company really expected the Vatican to grant their request. That would be like asking the Kennedy family to use their residence to film a tell-all movie about the Kennedy boys' private sex lives.

Memo to John Davis of Philly: Great point!

Joe, Phoenix, USA

If the catholic church put as much effort in ridding their flock of pedofiles as they do stoping production of a " story " maybe they would have some creditability.

Dick Sicario, Las Vegas, NV., USA

Even ficticious novels are permitted by the Church sometimes to be filmed in the temples; but as long as they are not offensife to the faith and I agree with it.

Frank, Saddle Brook, USsA

The Catholic Church finally has the backbone to stand up to Hollywood. We are tired of the hatred Hollywood has for the Universal Church. Some on here have said it's just a movie,chill. Well if it's just a movie, use a ficticious location.Hollywood is so use to using fiction in it's Catholic movies!

Darlene, Traverse City, , USA

A robust religion need not worry about nay-sayers and doubters.

Perhaps the Roman Catholic church is feeling rather vulnerable to criticism these days.

Roger Bingham, Lauzun, France

Hi Vinay Mehra,

There is plenty of archaeological and historical evidence for the Bible...

Gary, Port St. Lucie, USA

On one hand you have a hugely profitable global enterprise dedicated to the production and distribution of fantastical stories and on the other you have Hollywood. They almost deserve each other.

David Masu, Zürich,

Rome is not a bunch of Oprah-watchers who care more about J-Lo’s love life than the Truth. The Vatican is neither star-struck nor intimidated by the earthly credentials of three men who intend to enrich themselves with a film denigrating Christ and His Church. They serve a more powerful Trio.

Elvis Julep, Jackson, MS, USA

first - Lou, Catholism is NOT the lone religion that gets mocked whithout recourse...pagans/heathens get it a hell of a lot worse.
second - its fiction. plain and simple. fiction.
third - finally this pope has done something I can agree with. Yes I'm a Catholic.

ginger, st. paul, usa

It's fiction. I can understand not allowing them to film in churches and the Vatican if these movies/books really offend you, but asking the religious community as a whole to boycott them is silly. It is a story. No where, at no time, is the author claiming these are depictions of true events.

Greg, Los Angeles, USA

The Vatican "your fiction undermines our fiction".

The world "who cares"

Joe, Vegas,

Ridiculous. The bible is a work of fiction. Written by men to control men. Im going to go see Angels and Demons twice. On Sunday.

Joseph, Denver, USA

A previous comment...."if movies about Judaism or Islam came out people would be up in arms" was right on the money. Recall Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ". There was all kinds of negative comments from Jewish leaders even before it was released to the general public.

Byron Horn, Tucson, AZ, USA

Tony Butler London "It has served us well, this myth of Christ." Do your homework before quoting.

From a polemical work by John Bale Acta Romanorum Pontificum from The Pageant of the Popes in 1574: "All ages can testifie enough howe profitable that fable of Christe hath ben to us and our companie"

David. B. Monier-Williams, Scottsdale, US/ AZ

Is it not a case of the pot calling the kettle black. Vatican is banning one work of fiction while it promotes the biggest work of fiction - The Bible.

Vinay Mehra, Purley, Surrey

Once again, malicious fiction masquerading as truth. Hanks and Howard should be ashamed to be in cahoots with this snake oil salesman (Brown). I don't pay to see their movies anymore and would encourage others to do the same. Hit 'em where it hurts--their wallets.

Susan, Washington, DC, USa

Hooray for the Vatican!

Ray Bowman, Vermin, IL , usa

Would you let someone in your house to write a book falsely stating terrible things about you? I think not. Catholicism is the lone religion that you can get away with mocking without any recourse. If movies about Judaism or Islam like this came out people would be up in arms.

Lou, New York, USA

"It's a book, people! A work of fiction! Remember?"

What, the bible??? :D

chris, bloomsburg, USA

Nothing changes in the bigoted and closeted world of the Catholic Church. We aren't living in the 16th century - surely the Catholics can accept conflicting opinions to their own outdated and tyrannical ones.

Richard Scotney, Cottingham, East Yorkshire, UK

The Illuminati consist of the Jesuits and some of the world's richest families including the Rothschilds, the Rockefellers and the Windsors. While they pay lip service to religion, they worship Lucifer. Their agents control the world's media, education, business and politics.

jose, somerset, usa

I bet if they movie was called " Altar Boys Gone Wild" they'd let them film wherever they wanted.

Robert Bonks, Reno, NV, United States

I agree. It's their right to say no. They don't even have to give a reason. It's their property...their rights. I too, am no fan of the Church, but I agree that if you don't like what the movie says, you don't have to participate. It's a movie...not a freedom of the press issue

Brian, Dallas,

Altough personally I don't agree Vatican's policy, their choice it's fully comprensible. For comparison, do you think the USA Government should agree at filming scenes about a 9/11 crazy visionarian plot movie in the Oval Study or in the Pentagon?

Max, Rome, Italy

A book of fiction, yes.
But "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was also a book of fiction and it helped precipitate the Civil War.
Books can be powerful things.

Patrick, Santa Cruz, USA

What bothers me most about all this, is that Tom Hanks is the wrong guy for the part. I thought Gabriel Byrne should have played Langdon.

Anyway, Speaking as a Catholic, I think Dan Brown's books are great but the Vatcian could never allow the filming of these movies in the churches of Rome.

Dave, Manchester, England

Me thinks the Vatican doth protest too much.

Andrew Walker, Cheltenham, UK

It's good that the Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons have stimulated interest in Roman Catholic religion, however, these books are works of fiction which do not accurately describe either the church or its doctrines. Brett Pedersen

Brett Pedersen, San Francisco, USA

Just another example of the devil in our society. People stay close to Jesus, because we are in real grave times!!!!!!

Rich, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA

I am a pagan who loved the DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons. I am a strong believer in questioning current religious dogma, be it Christianity or Man-made global warming. Having said that, the Church is, of course, completely within their rights to not allow filming on their property.

Crystal, Tulsa, USA

God Bless my church, and shame on Ron Howard and Tom Hanks for playing into Dan Brown's hands.

Bob, Austin, Republic of Texas

I think it's time the church realizes nobody cares for their paganistic ways. Preach to "turn the other cheek" when they burned the Templars! (Not only mentioned in Da Vinci Code, but also historical fact) So there's one fact for you. I believe the church would gain credibility for allowing the film

Saint George, Heaven,

It's their Vatican, those are their churches, they can do what they want. Just like in America we can longer display the 10 commandments or put up nativity scenes in gov't buildings. Though, I am no fan of the Catholic church nor their doctrines nor their history, I say right on.

Reina, Upland, USA

the illuminati are owned by the vatican ,enough said,so this film is partly true that is why the ,vatican is so afraid of it,,,

jose, somerset, usa

It's a book, people! A work of fiction! Remember?

Tracey, Wall, NJ, USA

Vile book, didn't see the movie but don't need to.
Good decision.

Jim, Mpls,

They're works of fiction. Both books. Sure, Dan Brown tries to mix some "truths" into the books...so what? There is nothing in this world that is so sacro-sanct that it can't endure another point of view or some poking and prodding. If you're that much of a "devout" whatever, you need to STFU.

Donnie Baker, Bible Belt, USA

I pose a question to all of you: what would you be saying had the Catholic Church allowed the movie producers to film in the churches? There answer there was free publicity for the film with either answer; further the only appropriate answer for the Catholic Church was to deny the request.

Samantha, Frederick,

When the UK gets around to returning the Elgin Marbles maybe they might return all the churches and assets seized from the Roman church when Henry VIII changed the rules in his favor.
The Vatican should be praised for drawing a line.

Richard Jennings, Bakersfield,CA, USA

No film is “just a movie”.Films have the power to shape and influence culture and thought.The Catholic Church has an obligation to promote the truth especially in the face of Dan Brown’s work, which is, at it's heart, harmful and purposely, viciously, anti-Catholic.The movies precipitate this view.

Sarah, Austerlitz,

As a Christian and long-time student of church history, what concerns me about Dan Brown's works isn't that they represent a pot pourri of fact and fiction (and an entertaining one, at that), but that people apparently read or see this stuff and take it as historically reliable.

Neil Mowbray, Elkton, Virginia,

Paul from Toronto,

Oh how I laughed when I read your hilarious attempt to belittle the Church's position.

"Protesteth"??

Where the heck did you get that word?

Thanks for a good chuckle!

Sean

Sean, New York, USA

At least the Catholic Church isn't calling for the "heads" of Tom Hanks or Dan Brown. Why doesn't Brown cast Hanks in a movie about the prophet Mohammed? Then we can see who's laughing.

Mike Mundy, Houston, U.S.A.

I say good for Rome. Keep Tom Hanks and company out if they can`t be truthful. Let`s see them try and make a movie in a mosk or about Muhammad. I don`t think our muslim friends would be quite so civil.

Bill , St Paul, USA

I'm sure Hollywood, with all its special effects will be able to make it look as though it was filmed in Rome anyway - so who cares?

Robert, Epping, UK

You won't see Tom Hanks, Ron Howard, or Dan Brown act, direct, or write any movies about Islam; they too scared and only will attack Christianity, a faith they can attack without fear of life.

Mike, Wheeling, WV, USA

You people are aware the book is fiction right?
What does the catholic church have to be afraid of? I mean surely what they say is the truth and there not wrong. Apart from how old the earth was, how humans evolved, gravity, jesus being a zombie etc.

Andrew, Newbury, UK

The papal throne was seized already..by the Masonic/illumanti...Communists...Modernists..so why should the false chucrh be offended???? Both JPII and Benedict announced the NWO...and blessed the pagan UN

Michael, Pittsfield MA, USA

I wholeheartedly support the Vatican's decision. The DV Code was a dire film, offensive as much in its lack of quality as its content. The Vatican would have good grounds to ban future Howard works on either ground.

Guy, London,

I have a feeling the Church will be around long after Hollywood, Hanks and Brown have reverted to a more useful element: compost. Now there's some science that DOES give one hope!

Jeremy Stevens, Boston, MA,

It may be a very belated last stand by the CHURCH but those of us few believers left in the US appreciate his Holiness' new administration at least fighting to defend our precious Patrimony. For the gates of hell shall not prevail against HER (The Church.). Peace. Dale

Dale, Dania Beach, FL, United States of America

Being afraid of the Catholics is so 2nd millenium. Besides, the churches serve an important role of freeing up prime park space on Sundays. Let them keep doing that or they will be singing badly and chanting anachronistic blather right next to your family picnic. As for badly made movies, who cares?

Ian, Washington, DC

thank God the church is finally standing up for what is right. free speech goes too far when you lie about what the church stands for and what 60,000,000 people believe in. it is sacrilege

sara , ft pierce, irc

There was a time when religion was secure and/or powerful enough not to worry about the influence of the media. Is it a sign of the times that a fictional film concerns them enough to put up the barricades?

Tim, Northampton,

I wonder how the English would feel if someone wrote a fictional book about England becoming a Republic and the Royal Family been streeped of their posicion and possessions and wanted to film scenes inside Buckingham Palace. .

Fabio C, London, UK

Interesting points, but can you blame them?

Ask yourself, if a book was written about you and your family, friends, or co-workers that portrayed you all in a bad way, would you then let them in your home to film a movie about it?

I doubt it.

Shane, Laguna Hills,

Dan Brown wrote a book that offers controversial/alternative ideas towards christianity? hm, this reminds me of another movement a while back... something about "teach the controversy"...being open to "alternative theories"? I can't remember who was pushing that whole agenda though .... weird.

KJ, los gatos, usa

Bottom Line: it’s a book written (and movie made) for the sole purpose of maligning Christianity for enjoyment of non-Christians. If the author and movie makes aren’t accurate in their portrayal of the Catholic Church and it teachings – so much the better. Political correctness doesn’t apply to Christians anyway…right?

Rich, DC, USA

The UK is anti-catholic since Henry VIII, that's why there is such a spiritual vacuum in this country. Vacuum that eastern faiths are exploring very succesfully. The CoE is a jock without any moral fundation as it was formed to address the political needs of Henry VIII. It is as simple as that.

Fabio C, London, UK

Kudos to the Vatican (and I'm not even Catholic). Dan Brown cast facts aside during the writing of his novels. His own admission was that his goal was to create disillusion with the church.

And yes, God does get offended - at sin. Get used to it.

Scott, Las Cruces, NM, USA

No errors in the Bible. Just because you haven't seen something yourself doesn't mean it can't happen. If you believe that, then you must think you are, well, God since if it doesn't happen to you then it just plain doesn't happen. That's ridiculous and is certainly a far cry from logical thinking.

Scott, Houston,

Interesting points, but it's blown out of proportion. They are just doing what any of us would do. It's human nature.

Ask yourself, if a book was written about you, your family or friends, that portrayed you all in a bad way, would you then let them in your home to make a movie about it? Doubt it

Shane, Laguna Hills, USA

So, you'd have the Vatican stand aside, disrupt thier daily operations, so that a film meant to knowingly distort writen history in a way that depicts Catholics as a force for evil be shot in thier midst. Just who is being unreasonable here??

John Buchheim, West Chester, OH,

Their churches...they can do as they like. I'm just amazed people get worked up over a work of fiction.

James, Cincinnati, OH , USA

If the bible were discovered today, we would not be considering it a religious tome but more akin to the works of Homer, only not as well written, and sticking it in the fantasy section of the library.

Oh how I laughed at hearing the Church's attempt to belittle the book. Thou doth protesteth...

Paul, Toronto, Canada

Big deal..films and religion are both fantasies

chad walker, pueblo, usa

You'd think they would brush it off as fiction and then charge the film industry MILLIONS to film there...great profit making potential, an opportunity to perhaps feed the hungry, clothe those in need, send money to catholic orphanages...endless possibilities...instead they cower in fear!

karen, burlington, USA

if you want to understand why Washington is laced with ancient Greek and Egyptian architechture and monuments- I highly recommend studying the works of Jordan Maxwell and Bill Cooper.

You can find films on them in youtube or google video.

The battle is over information now. They are winning

ben, dayton, OH, USA

It's movie people!!! I support the movie makers right to make the movie and I also support the church's right not to allow it to be filmed on their property.

John, Fort Lauderdale, FL

To Hanks and Howard....Are times so desperate that you are running out of material in which you could have a positive message to movie-goers? It's quite a lack of positive imagination that you have to resort to blasphemy as a tool in order to gain even more noteriety among your Hollywood "peers".

Tim T., Milwaukee, U.S.A.

I can only imagine the reactions, if a movie about Islam or the Jewsih faith were so blasphemed. Of course Hanks & Howard would never do these type movies as that would not be PC enough. More beating up on Catholics / Christians. It seems to Hollywood sport these days.

Fran, Phila., Pa

Fritz, Springfield, USA

The movie industry waltzes around the world as if they are entitled to set up shop wherever they please. And all in the name of "art" as they continue with their ongoing project of polluting communities with endless variations on violence, nihilism and immorality.

Good for the Vatican!

m. anderson, newport beach,

Poor church seems like an old dog that can only growl now , looking forward to watching the film irrelevant of the fact wheter it is truth or fiction.

Manuel, Balzan, MALTA

The inquisition, burning witches, systematic suppression of science, massacre
of the Cathars, aid for escaping nazis, etc.
I tnink there is much to
discover about these gentle folk. Have at them, authors!

Alex, thailand,

Hmm, people making money out of christianity...wasn't it Pope Leo X who came out with the truest statement ever uttered by a pope - "It has served us well, this myth of Christ"?
Anyone wishing to attack the catholic church only needs to read a little history - far worse than any fiction.

Tony Butler, London, UK

I love how the church always points out certain small factual errors in these novels in an effort to undermine the factual significance of the book. Hello, the book is labeled FICTION!!!. There are a couple of errors in the bible as well, like the part of people living 800 years and talking snakes.

Brian, Boston, USA

Wow......The thought that God, the creator of all that is, can actually be offended. These religious folks sure are arrogant!

Phil, NYC,

a "phantasmagorical cocktail of inventions" and "a pot-pourri of lies"....has he not read the bible?

Paul, Teesside,

Jim, i for one do not have any strong religious faith but i do respect that many people do. How dare you say the Queen's UK is anti-catholic. for every citizen of the UK that is anti-catholic you will find a person that itsn't. I get the impression that you are against all non-catholics.

sophie, sussex,

Methinks the Church doth protest too much. But no matter. Hopefully in a couple of generations, humankind will see the folly in believing in fairy tales and angry gods, and embrace reason as yet another step in our intellectual evolution...

Owen Finn, Anytown, USA

This is typical leftist propoganda. I understand people make a living from movies but for Ron howard and Tom hanks,is seems that they have no moral compass.
If this was a movie shot about either persons family which had the theme of child molestaion,I am sure they would be rethink their position

Blake A, Saint John , Canada

I am glad that the Vatican officials turn them down. As usual, it's alright to blaspheme the Catholic Church but woe to the person who would do that to any other religion! Tom Hanks, Ron Howard, and anyone else associated with the film should be ashamed.

traci, Phoenix,

Thank God! I am so sick of the way people twist the faith and spit in Jesus's face all in the name of "fiction"

christine , newport, usa

Christ's philosophy is too enduring to face the onslaught of a mere fiction writer. There was no need for the Vatican to be fidgety about. That's how you will lose the moral ground while tackling the intolerance of other religions.

Ramesh Parida, Delhi, India

I, totally, agree with the Vatican's decision.

The Catholic church (I am not Catholic) has the right to not allow the movie to be filmed in any of their churches or the Vatican and if people don't like it, tough.

I won't even give my opinion of Hollywood, but it isn't good.

ckblv, Las Vegas, United States

For years in the past and even now the Catholic Church has denied any faith besides Catholocism, to even exist. Now you want me to be nice to a faith which denies my very existance. Please!

Stu, Olathe, KS, USA

"...This doesn't belong in a church... you shouldn't even ask to shoot murder scenes inside of a church... Clay Brunson, Fort Walton Beach"

I'm sure Thomas a' Beckett would agree.

Homer, London,

The arrogance and audacity of the producers of A & D is a statement in itself. My 8 year old granddaughter would have known better than to even ask. The book is not just fiction, it has a very nasty agenda. We are not humorless, just aware.

Richard, Houlton, USA

Were they ever going to be let in to a church to film another Dan Brown film? No. Did the film makers know this? Yes. So the story acts purely as advertising which is very effective.

If the film raises questions about the church, then so be it. It's about time.

Andy, Birmingham, UK

Well, this humorless Muslim did stay away fom the DV Code in solidarity with Catholics. And yes, why should they cooperate with people who are defiling what they hold dear, whether you think it's true or not?

RW, London,

I want to know why Dan Brown and Tom Hanks haven't been arrested and charged with a hate crime the way Europeans like to do anytime someone speaks out against homosexuality or Muslims. If it's good enough for Oriana Fallaci and Brigitte Bardot should be good enough for those two.

Paul Galvanek, Pittsburgh, US

I've met the Pope and know
Tom Hanks and if I had to endorse
a moviemaking ideal I would choose
the Pope who is calm,cheerful and
explains things clearly...Tom just yells
and ends up with mediocre movies.
See the one about the Holy Grail? Why bother?
Think about the Script! Tom's too Big
to hear..

David Froyla, SF CA, USA

Catholic Church bad for denying request to film on their properties. Everyone bad for bringing negative aspects of Islam to light. Non-traditional "enlightened" are so predictable...and lack courage to bring negative light against anyone except Western religions. Shame on your lack of courage.

Tim, Tucson, USA

It's just a movie. Chill.

Jeff, Sacramento, California, USA

Chris, As you know, Humor is not what this fiction is about. It's about blatant lies and anti-catholic rubbish which the anti-catholic communities like Hollywood and apparently most of the Queen's UK love .

Jim, Bowie, USA

If someone wrote a book bashing you, your family and everything you stood for - in the name of "fiction" of course - then wanted to make a movie about it and shoot the interior scenes in your home...would you let them? I doubt it. Bravo to the Roman Catholic church for standing against thiem!!!

H Light, Ontario, Canada

Before criticizing the Vatican, let's consider: Were this a "blasphemous" film about Is***, the reaction would likely be quite different -- both the church's, and its followers. Say what you want about the Vatican's decision, but at least we are able to have a civil discourse on the subject.

Jerry, Rural Ohio, USA

For the people in this comment area are condeming the church for doing what is right and kicking out these idiot film makers. I wonder if they would be so vocal if a film saying mohammed was pedofile or Jews were money changers I wonder if hollywood would be so brave to make a film about that.

marcel, toronto, canada

It is a sad day when the Vatican has so little faith in the ability of its worldwide flock to discern fact from fiction.

Must we return to the days when Galileo had to hide his knowledge that the earth revolved around the sun because the Vatican decided that their truth was the only truth???

Frank Perez, Tumon, Guam U.S.A.

Come on, critics. Why in the world should the church allow film makers to use their churches to defame them?

I'm afraid I don't see the "science" the church is defaming in these movies. After all as Malcom said before he contradicts himself, "It's just fiction."

Jim, Denver, USA

I support and applaud their decision.

There is no reason why the church should accomodate a film that is pure heresy.

Mark Hubbell, Salem, Oregon, USA

Who is being "censored"? The RC Church is merely declining to let Hollywood make an anti-Catholic film on its property.

What are we going to see next? A synagogue criticized for not allowing "Protocols of the Elders of Zion" to be filmed there?

John W. Davis, Philadelphia, USA

Give me a break. These are works of fiction. I don't think any right minded person would think otherwise. As in the immortal words of Bill Murray in Stripes "Lighten up Francis."

D Bertino, Delafield, WI

Interesting how liberals argue that everyone has the right to think and believe what it wishes unless, of course, it goes against a liberal viewpoint. The church has every right to prohibit an anti-church movie from being shot in its locations. Give me a break all of you liberals, what hypocrites!

Romi, Kansas City, Kansas, USA

The church (and it's officials) has the right to say what may occur on their own property, doesn't it?

"Mr. Movie Producer, come right in and film a movie inside my house, for weeks and months, limiting me and my family from our own use, and makes us look like murdering villains."

Cynthia, Fort Riley, Kansas, USA

A&D was an interesting murder mystery, a fun Summer read set in Rome. The political stratification of the Vatican was highly educational. "The DC" was a MUCH more credible story, and despite the errors, is the best rational explanation of Christianity I, a non Christian, have ever come across.

David H, Atlanta, USA

Dan Brown's feeble attempts to produce 'factional' novels have been rebutted not only by the Vatican, but by historians, theologians (not all Catholic by the way) and generally informed readers. Why can't he build a Vatican mock-up on his estate? He's got mega-millions from his gullible public.

Karol J Gajewski, Accrington, United Kingdom

Imagine if some film mocked the Prophet Mohammed and the filmmakers asked the muslims if it's okay to shoot in Mecca. They would, understandably, say no. I wonder if the Euros would be harrumphing that the Muslim religion is "humourless" or "censoring" or would they just be glad nobody got killed.

John, Stamofrd, USA

…Also, no church of any faith is required to assist in an effort to question (or tear down) its faith. I am no booster of the Catholic Church (I am not Catholic), but they are under no obligation to open their doors to something they feel is damaging to their faith. I support their decision.

Jerry, Rural Ohio, USA

This has no business being in a church anyways. The movie gets peoples interests with murder. This doesn't belong in a church. I think they have full right, you shouldn't even ask to shoot murder scenes inside of a church. It is insulting, but Hollywood has no souls so they don't care.

Clay Brunson, Fort Walton Beach, united states of america

Portraying Jesus Christ as a fornicating liar and the Church as a conspiracy of lunatics may be "humorous" to athiests and Islamist terrorists, but Benedict XVI (unlike the pathetic so-called Archbishop of Canterbury) isn't going to cooperate in the destruction of Christianity.

Julie , Austin, TX

Yeah -- I guess the Vatican has issues with things that are non-factual -- such as the proliferation of molestation among their ranks. Or the beatification of a Brazilian saint for the sake of money -- among other things.

David, Chicago, U.S.

I am very happy about this decision... Men with the courage to stand up to secular lies and preach the Truth...

Kevin, Lafayette, USA

Well, the vatican always did have trouble with fiction...

I guess Hanks and co. will be acting on a blue background then?...

dave, london,

Humourless bunch at the Vatican aren't they!

Chris, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Ah well! More free publicity for the film then.

John Goode, Welwyn Garden City, UK

I think it is absolutely HILARIOUS that a man who represents a book in which manna falls from heaven and feeds an entire nation FOR FORT