Mel Gibson doesn’t do "quiet" very well. Whether he’s screaming in blue face paint on a battlefield or directing the most visceral depiction of the crucifixion ever put to film, the man is a lightning rod. But lately, it’s not his movies making the most noise. It’s his blistering, public rejection of the man sitting in the Chair of Saint Peter: Pope Francis.
If you’ve seen the clips of Gibson on Joe Rogan’s podcast or read his open letters, you know this isn't just a casual disagreement over policy. It’s deeper. Gibson basically believes the modern Catholic Church is a "counterfeit" institution. He’s gone as far as to back excommunicated archbishops and hint that the papacy has been vacant for decades.
The "False Church" and the Pachamama Scandal
To understand why Mel Gibson is so fired up about Pope Francis, you have to understand his roots. Gibson was raised in a traditionalist Catholic environment. His father, Hutton Gibson, was a well-known sedevacantist—a term that basically means he believed there hasn't been a valid Pope since 1958. Mel seems to have carried that torch, though he’s usually more cagey about the "official" labels.
The breaking point for many, including Gibson, was the 2019 Amazon Synod. During this event, indigenous statues known as "Pachamama" were displayed in a church in Rome. For Francis, it was a gesture of inclusivity and ecological respect. For Gibson? It was straight-up idolatry.
In a 2024 letter supporting the now-excommunicated Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, Gibson didn't hold back. He referred to Pope Francis as "Jorge Bergoglio" (his birth name) to strip him of his title. He called the current Vatican a "counterfeit church." He even invited Viganò to come celebrate Mass at Gibson’s private chapel in California.
Why Mel Gibson Rejects the Papacy
Honestly, it’s not just about one statue. Gibson’s beef with the Church dates back to the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) in the 1960s. That’s when the Church changed the Mass from Latin to the local language and tried to open up more to the modern world.
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Gibson hates it. He thinks the Church was doing just fine before the reforms.
- The Latin Mass: Gibson only attends the Tridentine Mass, the old-school version.
- Religious Pluralism: He recently criticized Pope Francis for suggesting all religions are paths to God. To Mel, that’s heresy.
- The Viganò Connection: By siding with Viganò—a man who accused Francis of covering up sexual abuse and called for his resignation—Gibson has essentially declared war on the Vatican’s authority.
It’s a weird spot to be in. You’ve got one of the most famous "Catholic" directors in the world saying the Pope isn't actually the Pope.
Is the Passion Sequel a Message to Rome?
While all this drama is swirling, Gibson is busy filming the sequel to his 2004 blockbuster. It’s titled The Resurrection of the Christ, and it’s set to be released in two parts starting in Holy Week 2027.
People are wondering if the movie will be a cinematic middle finger to the modern Vatican. We know Jim Caviezel is back as Jesus. We also know Gibson has described the script as an "acid trip" that goes into "other realms," including the fall of the angels and the harrowing of hell.
Given Mel’s current headspace, don't expect a "safe" or "ecumenical" story. He’s leaning into the supernatural, the dogmatic, and the intense. He’s trying to "raise the bar" for religious cinema at a time when he feels the actual Church is lowering its standards.
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What This Means for the Average Fan
If you're just a fan of Braveheart or Lethal Weapon, this might feel like a lot of inside baseball. But it matters because Gibson is using his massive platform to influence how millions of people see the Catholic Church.
He’s not just a guy with a hobby; he’s a billionaire with his own private church and a global audience. When he tells Joe Rogan that the Church is "instituted by Christ" but currently run by "hirelings," people listen.
Actionable Insights for the Curious:
- Watch the Rogan Interview: If you want to see the nuance (or lack thereof), find the clip from January 2025. You’ll see Mel’s genuine passion—and his genuine anger.
- Understand the Labels: If you hear the word "Sedevacantist," just remember: Sede (seat) Vacante (vacant). They think the throne is empty.
- Check the Release Dates: Mark your calendars for March 26, 2027. That’s when the first part of the Resurrection drops. It will likely be the biggest religious cultural moment of the decade.
- Look at the Sources: Don't just take a headline's word for it. Read the actual letters Gibson wrote to Viganò. The language he uses is incredibly specific and steeped in 16th-century theology.
Mel Gibson and Pope Francis represent two completely different versions of what it means to be Catholic in the 21st century. One is about global unity and adapting to the times; the other is about ancient tradition and standing your ground, even if it means standing alone. Whether you think Mel is a "modern-day Athanasius" or just a guy who’s lost the plot, you can't deny he's keeping the conversation interesting.
The feud isn't going away. If anything, with the new movie on the horizon, the tension between Hollywood’s favorite traditionalist and the Vatican is only going to get tighter.