You Won’t Believe How Relevant ‘The New Pope’ Is NOW

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Today marks Easter Monday, a day when people worldwide express their sorrow for the passing of Pope Francis, formerly Jorge Mario Bergoglio. He was an innovative and trailblazing figure in numerous aspects – he was the first pope from the Jesuit Order, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, the first born or raised outside Europe in almost 1300 years, and the first to appoint women as full members of dicasteries within the Roman Curia. These are just a few characteristics that made Pope Francis exceptional. Although he didn’t go quite as far as many had hoped, he was one of the most progressive popes, known for his denouncement of extremist, anti-LGBTQ+, and anti-immigrant sentiments. In some ways, these somewhat liberal values make him reminiscent of the portrayal of a pope in media history – John Malkovich’s character in The New Pope.

In essence, “The New Pope” serves as the sequel and continuation to “The Young Pope,” featuring Jude Law in the role of a controversial, mischievous pope with leanings towards right-wing authoritarianism who fell into a coma and later resurfaced as a potent symbol of love. John Malkovich’s portrayal of a tormented papal figure in “The New Pope,” however, stands out for its emotional impact and timeliness following the departure of Pope Francis. Now, with Pope Francis no longer in office, “The New Pope” and “The Young Pope” are more crucial than ever to watch. These series not only offer insights into the Vatican and Catholic faith but also provide spiritual sustenance for viewers, making them essential additions to your viewing list. Here’s why.

Producing the Pope: Backstory of the Shows

Over the years, numerous films have been made about the Catholic Church and its influential figures, ranging from “A Man for All Seasons” and “Flowers of Saint Francis” to “The Cardinal” and “The Agony and the Ecstasy”. Interestingly, there seems to be a flood of productions connected to the Vatican lately. This includes “The Two Popes” from 2019, “Conclave” set for release in 2024, “We Have a Pope” from 2011, and a series of horror movies such as “Deliver Us”, “The Pope’s Exorcist”, “The Rite”, and “The Vatican Tapes”. Among these, the most noteworthy are director Paolo Sorrentino’s 2016 series “The Young Pope” and its sequel from 2020, “The New Pope”.

The television series titled The Young Pope essentially reenacts the actual occurrences of 2013, when Pope Benedict XVI opted to retire and was followed by Pope Francis as his successor. The show delves into the power struggles and negotiations that culminate in the controversial election of the young pope, a charismatic American who proves to be more unpredictable than anticipated by the cardinals. During a coma, the intriguing character portrayed by John Malkovich, Sir John Brannox, ascends to the papacy and endeavors to find a balance between the conservative and progressive factions.

Paolo Sorrentino, famous for his Academy Award-winning movie “The Great Beauty” and his Academy Award-nominated film “The Hand of God”, chose to explore television with the series “The Young Pope.” This production quickly grew into a grand international collaboration between Sky, Canal+, HBO, Wildside, Haut et Court TV, and Mediapro, taking three years to finish. It was Italy’s costliest TV series yet, as Sorrentino and his crew essentially reconstructed Vatican City at Cinecittà studios, Europe’s largest film studio; these sets were later utilized for “The New Pope” and the recent film, “Conclave.

The Young Pope was broadcast in 80 countries and made history as the first TV show to screen at the Venice International Film Festival and the first Italian series to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. This groundbreaking series was also Sky’s most-watched program, even surpassing their Italian broadcast of Game of Thrones. With its production design already in place, filming for the sequel, The New Pope, took less than a year and premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2019 before airing on TV in January 2020. The nine-episode series concluded just before the world was hit by COVID-19, making it perhaps the last major pre-pandemic series.

A Beautiful Vision of a Complicated Church

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but admire John Malkovich’s exceptional portrayal of Sir John Brannox, a man who might have been referred to as a dandy in bygone eras. His style, complete with the subtle touch of eyeliner, is a nod to his past as a goth, and he grapples with a hidden addiction to drugs. The weight of guilt from being blamed for his brother’s death at a tender age hangs heavy over him, despite his status as one of Europe’s most revered theologians and cardinals.

The story unfolds as Jude Law’s Pope Pius slips into a coma, paving the way for Cardinal Viglietti to ascend to the Vatican throne (assuming the name Pope Francis, ironically). However, his reign proves disastrous, ending tragically soon after – whether by natural causes or assassination remains unclear.

In a somewhat unwilling succession, Brannox assumes the role of pope, adopting the name Pope John Paul III. His tenure unfolds amidst a delicate, perilous period for the Church. Unlike his predecessors, Brannox’s rule offers a striking contrast, making the series an intriguing exploration of politics and religion. The portrayal of his reign in both “The Young Pope” and “The New Pope” presents a profound examination of spirituality, doubt, power, and love within the context of religious leadership. These captivating television shows serve as intellectual examinations of faith, questioning its essence, purpose, and the very foundation of the Catholic Church as an institution. They are richly adorned with thought-provoking dialogues that compel viewers to ponder their own beliefs, faith’s significance, and the role of the Catholic Church in society.

These shows are not only visually stunning but also uniquely crafted under Sorrentino’s directorial style. Apart from the flawless production and costume design, The Young Pope and The New Pope offer remarkable cinematic experiences. Lele Marchitelli’s memorable music, both enchanting and emotional, complements Cristiano Travaglioli’s smooth editing and transitions, resulting in stunning, swiftly moving episodes. Luca Bigazzi, who has collaborated with Sorrentino on many of his projects, provides the same breathtaking visuals that you may recall from The Great Beauty, This Must be the Place, Il Divo, or any other films by Sorrentino.

Furthermore, these two series boast some of the most remarkable soundtracks in both television and musical history. The songs selected are not only varied but also perfectly timed to create maximum emotional impact. Ranging from Andrew Bird’s folk rock to Recondite’s ambient club music, Arvo Pärt and Henryk Górecki’s modern classical pieces to Dean Blunt and Trentemøller’s electronic beats, the soundtracks are essentially well-crafted playlists.

‘The New Pope’ Is More Than a Pretty Face

Despite some criticism labeling Sorrentino’s work as prioritizing style over content, particularly his latest series Parthenope, The Young Pope and The New Pope prove to be a deep exploration of complex thoughts and emotions. It’s uncommon to find a series that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. These shows are not only thought-provoking but also visceral, standing out among their competitors. Remarkably, they excel in portraying theology and faith, an area with significant competition. The intricate themes are seamlessly interwoven with some of the most powerful monologues seen on TV, with the papacy offering numerous chances to write lengthy, complex speeches. Without a doubt, these series represent the pinnacle of television exploration in theology and faith. Sorrentino delivers in spades, never failing to impress.

(Excerpt from The New Pope)
“…For we are not just a church; we are the Ark of the Covenant, carrying the Word of God through the ages, preserving it and transmitting it. We are not a museum but a living organism that must adapt to survive. We are not an institution but a people that needs to be nourished, guided, and protected.”

This passage highlights the essence of The New Pope in a way that surpasses my ability to convey its impact.

Those who disregarded or turned away from us – girls, boys, strangers, parents, employers, mentors, bullies, siblings, friends, conformists – those who withheld kindness and understanding, leaving us feeling alone; while others were preoccupied with their own concerns, I remained focused on you. You were my sole concern because, in essence, I am one of you.

Sorrow doesn’t distinguish between individuals. Suffering isn’t a competition. There are no winners or losers. Struggling with acne and shyness, scars and discomfort, baldness and insecurity, eating disorders, weight issues, discrimination due to skin color, sexual orientation, financial struggles, physical impairments, family disputes, uncontrollable tears, the void of our insignificance, the depths of our loss, the emptiness within us, the persistent, untreatable longing for it all to end – we’ve all felt that way. And just as you do, I recall those times vividly.

Previously, it made no difference if the world criticized us, but now we are the ones to question the world’s actions. We refuse to be labeled as the problem, for in reality, they are the source of the issue. Instead, we represent the solution. Despite being deceived, deserted, rejected, and misjudged, we have been pushed aside and belittled. They said, “You don’t belong here!” through their silence, but we questioned, “Where do we belong?” with our own silence. We never got an answer then, but now we understand. Yes, we know where we belong. Our place is here. Our place is the church.

Cardinal Biffi succinctly expressed it: “We are all flawed individuals whom God has united to create a magnificent church.” Indeed, we carry our flaws, but we also share a common bond. From now on, we shall no longer be overlooked. The world will remember us as the Church.

In light of Pope Francis’ passing and the impending conclave to choose a new pope, the TV series “The New Pope” and “The Young Pope” have taken center stage as the most timely shows currently airing. Pope Francis served as the embodiment of the Church; his absence will be deeply felt. You can catch up on “The Young Pope” and “The New Pope” by following the link provided: [Link]

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2025-04-21 18:06