The cast and crew of 'The Chosen' visited the Vatican following the filming of the crucifixion scenes in Italy. The visit was described as a humbling honor by the actor playing Jesus, Jonathan Roumie, and a validation of the show's mission. The cast met with Cardinal Mauro Gambetti and toured the Vatican. The show's creator, Dallas Jenkins, aims to make the biblical stories feel real to viewers. The show is currently a top-rated show on Amazon Prime Video.
10 days ago
The cast and crew of "The Chosen" visited the Vatican following the completion of three weeks of filming the Crucifixion scenes for Season 6 in Matera, Italy 2 3. Matera was also the location used for Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" 2. The visit marked a significant moment for the series, which depicts the life of Jesus and his followers 1 2.
During their visit, the cast and crew, including Jonathon Roumie (Jesus), Dallas Jenkins (series creator), Elizabeth Tabish (Mary Magdalene), George Xanthis (John the Apostle), and Vanessa Benavente (Mother Mary), held a press conference 1 2. They discussed the importance of Season 5, which focuses on Holy Week, and its role in connecting viewers to Jesus 1. Episode 4 of Season 5, "The Same Coin," was screened at the Vatican's Filmoteca theater 1 2.
Jonathon Roumie described the Vatican visit as a "humbling honor" and a confirmation of the show's mission to bring Jesus Christ to the world 2 3. Dallas Jenkins, an evangelical Protestant, expressed his hope that the show would make the events and people depicted in religious artwork feel real to viewers 2 3. He emphasized that "Jesus is more than a painting, and the church is more than just a building" 2. Jenkins also noted that introducing the Gospel stories to over 30% of the audience who do not identify with the Christian faith is the most rewarding part of his work 1.
Jonathon Roumie is scheduled to present Pope Leo XIV with a gift from "The Chosen" during the Wednesday general audience on June 25 2 3. Roumie, a Catholic, expressed his excitement at the prospect of communicating with the American Pope in their native language 2 3. The meeting is considered "extraordinary" for Roumie 3.
How should art portray Christ's Passion and Resurrection?
Art should portray Christ's Passion and Resurrection in a way that inspires conversion, reverence, and a deeper understanding of the mysteries of faith . It should communicate the Gospel message effectively, break down barriers, and allow people to perceive the universality of Christ's message .
Here's how art can approach these portrayals:
By keeping these points in mind, artists can create works that not only depict the events of Christ's Passion and Resurrection but also draw viewers into a deeper relationship with God.
In summary, art portraying Christ's Passion should balance depictions of suffering with allusions to His glory, emphasizing His fidelity and the theological significance of His sacrifice. Art portraying the Resurrection should highlight its historical reality, its transformative power, and its role as the foundation of Christian hope, always aiming to inspire reverence and a deeper understanding of the faith.