When ABC, NBC, and CBS refused to air ads for the film because of its original title, Miramax Pictures hired civil rights activist Alan Dershowitz to appeal the refusal.
The film's US title was changed after an outcry from Roman Catholics. The new title, "The Pope Must Diet", appeared on some promotional materials with the final letter in the form of a crucifix.
It was filmed mostly in Zagreb, Croatia. The location used for the Corelli villa was actually, Presidential Palace - the official workplace of the President of Croatia.