New Line Cinema has acquired The Rite, the true story of an American priest who studied at an exorcism school in Italy, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The feature film will be based on the upcoming nonfiction book by Rome-based journalist Matt Baglio. Michael Petroni signed on to write the adapted screenplay before the writers strike.

Baglio was allowed to follow a young priest during months of training with a senior exorcist at a school affiliated with the Vatican. "Rite," now subtitled "The Making of a Modern Day Exorcist," is set for publication by Doubleday in early 2009.

Although the book is not finished and the screenplay won't be completed until after the strike, the film is expected to