Sydney's ace in the hole

From the always well-informed Amy comes this on Cardinal Pell's efforts to enlist Mel Gibson to recreate the Passion for Sydney, should it be chosen to host World Youth Day 2008.

[...]
The crucifixion reenactment -- similar to scenes from Gibson's hugely successful film "The Passion of the Christ" -- would begin with the Last Supper staged at Sydney's landmark Opera House at sunset, and would end with the crucifixion of Christ at St. Mary's Cathedral, according to bid documents the newspaper said it obtained.

The Archbishop of Sydney, George Pell, told the newspaper that intermediaries had "started approaches" to Gibson to stage the event. Gibson's involvement with World Youth Day was on the city's "wish list," Pell said.

"He might well be attracted. I think his devotion to Christ is very real," he said.
[...]

I find that last comment of Pell's to be rather funny. I'm sure he means it a different way, but it just sounds like there is some doubt that Mel's devotion to Christ is very real. The guy spent his own money in making a movie about the Passion, in an effort that became something of a quest and the cardinal only 'thinks' that Mel's devotion is very real. Really.

In any case, if they can confirm Mel's involvement before the final decision is made, I would say that would clinch the deal for Sydney. Mel's movie is the direct anti-thesis of the Da Vinci Code mindset. Can you imagine the publicity WYD would get if such an event were to be put together? I have no doubt CNN and every other major news network would be all over that, aside from the usual coverage from the Catholic outlets.