Church filming ban for Da Vinci Code prequel

ROME’S diocese said yesterday it has barred the producers of Angels & Demons from filming in two churches for the prequel to The Da Vinci Code, the popular book and film that angered many Catholic leaders.

Producers of the film, directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, were turned down because the film “does not conform to our views,” said Monsignor Marco Fibbi for the diocese.

The crew had asked to film in the churches of Santa Maria del Popolo and Santa Maria della Vittoria, two architectural jewels in the heart of Rome that include paintings by Caravaggio, sculptures by Bernini and a chapel designed by Raphael.