Opus Dei In Rome

CANTERBURY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 26, 1958 (FILE PHOTO): Opus Dei founder St Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer (C), Don Alvaro Portillo (L), the second head Prelate of Opus Dei and Monsignor Javier Echevarria, actual head Prelate of Opus Dei, pose in front of the Tomb of St. Thomas More on August 26, 1958 in Canterbury, England. The Catholic group known as Opus Dei (meaning Work of God) was officially recognized by the Holy See on 16 June 1950. Dan Brown's novel "The Da Vinci Code" (which will be coming out soon as a feature film starring Tom Hanks) has sparked a number of controversial stories about the Opus Dei. The Catholic organization in the novel is depicted as secret sect that coerces and brainwashes its members, encouraging gruesome, corporal mortification. This depiction is countered by the Prelature of Opus Dei in the United States who states on the organisation's website that "The Da Vinci Code's depiction of Opus Dei is inaccurate, both in the overall impression and in many details, and it would be irresponsible to form any opinion of Opus Dei based on reading this book". (Photo by Opus Dei Archive for Franco Origlia/Getty Images)