The New Pope (2020)

After nine months and several failed heart transplants, Pope Pius XIII remains comatose, but has developed a cult following and is revered as a saint by many. On the advice of Bauer, the Ambassador of the Holy See, Voiello decides a new pope must be elected to prevent Pius XIII from becoming a false idol. Realizing the papal conclave is unwilling to elect him, he and allies engage in tactical voting to prevent his opponent Cardinal Hernández from being selected. They instead elect the mild-mannered Cardinal Viglietti, a devout follower of Francis of Assisi, hoping to influence him by proxy. Adopting the name Pope Francis II, Viglietti quickly acclimates to his power and introduces radical charitable reforms to the church, such as allowing masses of refugees shelter in the Vatican, taking full control of the Vatican Archives and finances with the intent of giving them away, and compelling the College of Cardinals to surrender their valuables. The reforms, plus Viglietti’s intent to defrock Voiello, cause the latter and Hernández to plot to replace him with the more moderate Sir John Brannox, who was the third preference in the election.

The New Pope is a drama television series created and directed by Paolo Sorrentino for Sky Atlantic, HBO and Canal+. It is a continuation of the 2016 series The Young Pope, originally announced as its second season. The nine-episode series stars Jude Law, reprising his role as Pope Pius XIII, and John Malkovich as Pope John Paul III, the titular new pope. It was co-produced by European production companies The Apartment, Wildside, Haut et Court TV and Mediapro.