The film took 1.22 million euros ($1.5 million) Wednesday, beating the 1.11 million first-night takings for «Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,» Reuters reported.
In Germany, Catholic, Protestant and Jewish leaders have made a joint statement to warn the film could fan anti-Semitism.
«The Passion» enjoyed a week at the top of British box office charts. Four Anglican churches in Kent gave away $37,000 of tickets hoping to attract people back to Christ.
