New Line Cinema has landed rights to Rome-based journalist Matt Baglio's non-fiction tome "The Rite" says The Hollywood Reporter.

Baglio followed a young priest during his months of training with a senior exorcist at a school affiliated with the Vatican.

Michael Petroni ("The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys," "Possession") signed on to write the adapted screenplay before the writers strike.

Although the book is not finished and the screenplay won't be completed until after the strike, the film is expected to include scenes of exorcisms based on the priest's experiences.