The New Pope (2020)

The New Pope (2020) is a satirical drama TV series by Paolo Sorrentino for Sky Atlantic, HBO, and Canal+. A continuation of The Young Pope (2016), it was originally announced as the second season. Starring Jude Law and John Malkovich as fictional popes Pius XIII and John Paul III, respectively, it was co-produced by The Apartment Pictures, Wildside, Haut et Court TV, and Mediapro. Despite nine months and multiple unsuccessful heart transplants, Pius XIII remains comatose but has garnered a devoted following who idolize him as a saint. To avoid Pius XIII’s deification, Voiello takes advice from Bauer, the Holy See Ambassador, and proposes electing a new pope. Aware that he will not be chosen by the papal conclave, Voiello employs strategic voting with his allies to prevent Cardinal Hernández’s selection.

They opt for the mild-mannered Cardinal Viglietti, a devout follower of Francis of Assisi, in hopes of indirectly influencing him. The newly named Pope Francis II quickly embraces his authority and implements significant charitable changes within the church. These changes include allowing refugee masses to take shelter in the Vatican, taking control of the Vatican Archives and finances with the intention of giving them away, and ordering the College of Cardinals to forfeit their valuables. These reforms, along with Viglietti’s plans to remove Voiello from his position, prompt Voiello and Hernández to conspire to replace him with Sir John Brannox, who was their third choice in the election. However, before any action can be taken, Pope Francis II suffers an apparent heart attack and dies, potentially orchestrated by Bauer. Meanwhile, after months in a coma, Pope Pius XIII finally moves his finger.