Russell Crowe wants the Pope to see Noah

Jennifer Connelly, left, and Russell Crowe in a scene from Noah.

Russell Crowe has launched an online campaign to get the Pope to come along to a special screening of the biblical epic Noah.

The Oscar-winning actor plays the title role in Darren Aronofsky's new film, and wants to hold a special screening for Pope Francis.

"Dear Holy Father @Pontifex , would you like to see @DarrenAronofsky film #NOAH ?" I am sure you would find it fascinating," he wrote, urging fans to retweet the invitation.

"Villagers,given his environmental focus/scholarly knowledge,trying to screen #Noah for Pope Francis. @Pontifex You help?"

Crowe has also told Christians who are unhappy about the way the film portrays the biblical story to chill out.

"Everybody chill out about the 'Noah' movie," Crowe tweeted late last week.

A survey by the US group Faith Driven Consumers found 98 per cent of religious audiences aren't happy with Hollywood's decision to put the Old Testament story on the big screen.

More than 5000 Christian consumers were asked "are you satisfied with a biblically themed movie designed to appeal to you which replaces the Bible's core message with one created by Hollywood?"

The Paramount film stars Crowe as Noah and Anthony Hopkins as his grandfather Methuselah.

- WENN