Mel Gibson has maintained a controversial stance on Catholicism for many years, rejecting the authority of the Pope and the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. Both he and his late father, who shared similar views, deny the Pope’s leadership role in the Catholic Church and reject the Council’s removal of Jewish blame for the death of Jesus. This position underscores their deeply antisemitic beliefs. Gibson has invested heavily—approximately $70 million—into creating the Holy Family church in Agoura Hills, California, which promotes these principles.
Connection with Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò and New Film Project
Gibson is now working with Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, a controversial figure who was excommunicated by Pope Francis in 2024 due to his refusal to recognize papal authority. Viganò, known for his far-right political views, including support for Donald Trump, anti-vaccination stances, and homophobic opinions, is consulting on Gibson’s upcoming film The Resurrection of the Christ. This alliance signals a likely continuation of divisive themes similar to those present in Gibson’s earlier work.
Concerns Raised Over Film Distribution and Past Antisemitic Incidents
Despite these controversies, Lionsgate remains the distributor of Gibson’s new film. The studio, owned and operated by Jewish executives, faces criticism for supporting a project linked to Gibson’s history of antisemitism. Gibson’s 2006 DUI arrest brought widespread attention to his antisemitic remarks, including telling the arresting officer,
“The Jews are the cause of all the wars.”
This incident was further explored in a New York Times Magazine article by Christopher Noxon, which also revealed Gibson’s father’s connections to neo-Nazi writings and opposition to the Second Vatican Council reforms.
Implications of Gibson’s Alliance with Viganò and the Film’s Potential Impact
Photographs posted by Viganò on the set of The Resurrection of the Christ make clear the film’s likely alignment with their shared ideology. This collaboration suggests the project may deepen divisions even more than Gibson’s previous controversial film, The Passion of the Christ. Given Gibson’s financial resources and ongoing promotion of his private church, this film could reaffirm his contentious position within religious and cultural conversations.
The Jews are the cause of all the wars.
— Mel Gibson, arresting officer
Mel Gibson Far From Broke: Private Church Fund Now Worth $60 Mil
— unnamed source
Mel Gibson’s Self Destruction Continues Unabated
— unnamed source
