I don't know where Paul Pisano got his idea from, but it wasn't the alternative opening of the DVD collection. Maybe another source told him this, but the DVD bonus materials disc show the archbishops scene ("600 million dollar") fading out of the black, just like Bonasera in GF1, as the introduction said.

Does this scene take place in Rome or not? If so, the entire ceremonial award-thing in NY and the party at Michael's house would be pointless, indeed, when this was to be the opening scene.