'Passion' Breaks Records on 1st Night in Italy

ROME, APRIL 8, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” broke all box office records for a first night showing in Italy, its distributor said today.

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The film took 1.22 million euros ($1.5 million) Wednesday, beating the 1.11 million first-night takings for “Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” Reuters reported.

In Germany, Catholic, Protestant and Jewish leaders have made a joint statement to warn the film could fan anti-Semitism.

“The Passion” enjoyed a week at the top of British box office charts. Four Anglican churches in Kent gave away $37,000 of tickets hoping to attract people back to Christ.

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