The Young Pope Season 1 -

Paolo Sorrentino’s The Young Pope is less a traditional religious drama and more of a "religious fever dream". It centers on Lenny Belardo (Jude Law), the first American pope, who takes the name

and immediately subverts every expectation of a modern pontiff. A Study in Contradiction The series is built on radical contrasts: The Persona:

is a young, strikingly handsome man who refuses to let anyone take his photograph, believing that "absence is presence" The Ideology:

While his elderly peers are progressive, Lenny is a hardline reactionary who treats the faithful like "disobedient children" who must be brought to heel. The Faith:

In one of the show's most shocking moments, Lenny confesses that he might not actually believe in God

, yet he later performs acts that the show suggests are genuine miracles. Sorrentino’s Surreal Visuals

Reviewers frequently compare the show’s aesthetics to the work of popcult.blog TV Review – The Young Pope (Season 1)

The Young Pope (2016) is a surreal, visually arresting drama that follows the early days of Lenny Belardo (Jude Law), the first American Pope in history. This 10-episode series, created by Paolo Sorrentino, masterfully blends high-stakes Vatican politics with a deeply personal character study of a man torn between radical conservatism and a hidden, painful past. The Plot: A Church in Upheaval

The Unlikely Election: Belardo is elected as Pope Pius XIII, a choice the College of Cardinals made assuming the young American would be easy to manipulate.

The Radical Shift: Instead of being a puppet, Pius XIII proves to be a hardline traditionalist. He refuses to show his face to the public, demands absolute devotion, and introduces radical policies that shock both the Vatican and the world.

Vatican Power Struggles: Cardinal Angelo Voiello (Silvio Orlando), the cunning Secretary of State, finds himself at odds with the new Pope's unpredictable and often abrasive methods.

Personal Demons: Behind his stoic and sometimes cruel exterior, Lenny is a man haunted by being abandoned at an orphanage as a child—a trauma that fuels his complex relationship with faith and his need for total control. Key Themes

The 2016 debut of The Young Pope—a co-production between Sky, HBO, and Canal+—was met with equal parts fascination and skepticism. When the first promotional images of Jude Law in papal vestments began circulating, the internet responded with memes, expecting a campy, provocative romp.

What director Paolo Sorrentino delivered, however, was something far more complex: a visually arresting, deeply philosophical, and often surreal meditation on faith, power, and the loneliness of God. The Premise: A Revolution in White

The series opens with the ascension of Lenny Belardo, the first American Pope in history, who takes the name Pius XIII. At only 47, he is "the young pope." The College of Cardinals, led by the calculating Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Voiello (Silvio Orlando), believes they have elected a photogenic puppet—a "televisual" Pope they can control.

They couldn't have been more wrong. Lenny is not a liberal reformer; he is a hardline reactionary, a man who wants to return the Church to its most obscure, mysterious, and uncompromising roots. He bans the sale of merchandise with his face on it, delivers his first homily from the shadows to remain invisible to the faithful, and demands absolute, terrifying devotion. Jude Law’s Career-Defining Performance

Jude Law’s portrayal of Lenny Belardo is a masterclass in duality. One moment, he is a vengeful tyrant, threatening his subordinates with a smirk; the next, he is a vulnerable orphan, still reeling from the abandonment of his hippie parents.

Law balances Lenny’s arrogance—exemplified by his Cherry Coke Zero breakfast and his penchant for public humiliation—with a genuine, agonizing search for God. Is he a saint or a charlatan? Does he believe in God, or does he simply believe in the power he wields? These questions fuel the narrative engine of Season 1. The Supporting Cast: Faith and Politics

While Law is the center of the solar system, the supporting cast provides the necessary gravity.

Diane Keaton as Sister Mary: The nun who raised Lenny in an orphanage and becomes his closest advisor. She is the "power behind the throne," yet even she struggles to comprehend the monster-saint she helped create. The Young Pope Season 1

Silvio Orlando as Cardinal Voiello: Initially the antagonist, Voiello evolves into one of the show’s most sympathetic characters. His love for Napoli (the soccer team) and his secret care for a disabled child humanize the Machiavellian politician.

James Cromwell as Cardinal Michael Spencer: Lenny’s mentor and the man who expected to be Pope himself. His bitter rivalry with Lenny explores the toxic side of spiritual ambition. The Sorrentino Aesthetic

To talk about The Young Pope without mentioning its visual language is impossible. Paolo Sorrentino, the Oscar-winning director of The Great Beauty, treats every frame like a Renaissance painting.

The cinematography is crisp and symmetrical, capturing the opulent isolation of the Vatican gardens and the claustrophobic grandeur of the Apostolic Palace. The soundtrack is equally daring, blending classical liturgical music with electronic tracks and indie rock (notably the opening credits set to a remix of "All Along the Watchtower"). Themes: The Absence of God

At its core, Season 1 is about the "unbearable weight of God’s silence." Lenny’s radical traditionalism is actually a defense mechanism for his own spiritual crisis. By making the Church mysterious and inaccessible again, he is reflecting his own inability to find a tangible connection to the divine.

The season concludes not with a political victory, but with a spiritual climax in Venice, where Lenny finally addresses a crowd in the light. It is a moment of profound vulnerability that sets the stage for the follow-up series, The New Pope.

The Young Pope Season 1 remains a landmark in "prestige TV." It defied the tropes of political dramas like House of Cards by choosing poetry over plot and mysticism over melodrama. It challenged viewers to take the concept of the sacred seriously, even while showing a Pope who smokes in the halls of the Vatican.

Whether you view it as a satire of religious authority or a sincere exploration of the soul, one thing is certain: there has never been anything else quite like it on television.

Title: A Divine Provocation: A Review of The Young Pope Season 1

It is rare for a television show to possess the sheer, unapologetic audacity of The Young Pope. Created by Paolo Sorrentino, the series is not merely a drama about the Vatican; it is a high-fashion fever dream, a theological chess match, and a character study of a man who believes he is a saint—whether the world likes it or not.

At the heart of the show is Jude Law’s Lenny Belardo, the newly elected Pope Pius XIII. Lenny is a radical enigma: the first American Pope, a man who drinks Cherry Coke Zero for breakfast and refuses to be photographed or bless the crowds in St. Peter’s Square. He is conservative to the point of archaism, yet profoundly lonely. Law delivers a career-defining performance, balancing the character’s terrifying rigidity with a puppy-dog vulnerability that leaves the viewer unsure whether to fear him or weep for him.

Visually, the series is a masterpiece. Sorrentino brings his cinematic eye to the small screen, framing the Vatican not as a dusty museum, but as a surreal playground of power. The camera lingers on symmetry, vibrant colors, and haunting statues. The cinematography is matched by an eclectic soundtrack that swings from classical arias to modern electronic beats and LMFAO’s "I'm Sexy and I Know It," creating a tone that is jarring, ironic, and oddly spiritual.

Narratively, the first season functions as a slow-burning battle for the soul of the Church. Lenny is at war with the status quo, represented by the pragmatic Cardinal Voiello (a brilliant Silvio Orlando) and the PR-obsessed marketing team that mistakenly thought they could control him. The show challenges the audience to reconcile Lenny’s harsh, exclusionary theology with his moments of genuine, miraculous grace. It asks difficult questions: Is it better to be loved and ignored, or feared and obeyed? Can a man who hides from the world truly lead it?

However, the show is not without its flaws. The pacing can be glacial at times, favoring long, dialogue-heavy scenes over plot progression. Some subplots—such as the tragic arc of a farmer in Africa or the machinations of a visiting dictator—sometimes feel disconnected from the central intimacy of Lenny’s internal struggle. Furthermore, the show’s surrealism can occasionally alienate viewers looking for a grounded political thriller.

But for those willing to submit to its rhythm, The Young Pope is deeply rewarding. The season finale, "Tenth Episode," is a triumph of storytelling that recontextualizes everything that came before it. Lenny’s journey from an orphan angry at God to a figure of terrifying love is completed in a moment of visual splendor that feels genuinely earned.

The Verdict: The Young Pope is a challenging, beautiful, and often bizarre exploration of faith and power. It refuses to hold the viewer's hand, demanding patience and interpretation. But for those who stay, it offers a television experience that feels like a religious awakening—confusing, frustrating, and absolutely transcendent.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

If you are looking for academic resources or discussion points for a paper on The Young Pope

(Season 1), the series provides several rich themes for analysis, particularly regarding its portrayal of power, faith, and institutional politics. Potential Research & Paper Topics Paolo Sorrentino’s The Young Pope is less a

The Subversion of Papal Imagery: Analyze how director Paolo Sorrentino uses unconventional aesthetics—such as Pope Pius XIII (Lenny Belardo) smoking or wearing cherry-red slippers—to challenge traditional Catholic iconography.

Isolation and Power: Discuss Lenny’s decision to remain invisible to the public, exploring the paradox of "power through absence" and how it affects both the College of Cardinals and the masses.

The Role of Mentorship and Family: Examine the influence of Sister Mary (Diane Keaton), an American nun who raised Lenny in an orphanage, and her central role in his unconventional papacy.

Political Intrigue in the Vatican: Research the tension between the conservative Pope and Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Voiello, focusing on the internal power struggles and "parties" that exist within the Church.

Humor as a Tool of Faith: Explore the use of absurdity and humor in the series as a way to navigate the profound and often dark themes of spiritual doubt and ecclesiastical duty. Quick Series Facts for Reference

(Lenny Belardo), a young, handsome American who the Vatican hierarchy expects to be a manageable, media-friendly figurehead. Instead, Lenny reveals himself to be a staunchly conservative, acerbic traditionalist who refuses to be seen by the public, believing that mystery is more alluring than transparency. Key Storylines and Themes The Young Pope - Wikiquote

Season 1 of The Young Pope (2016) is a surreal, visually opulent exploration of faith, power, and isolation within the Vatican. Directed by Paolo Sorrentino, the series is widely praised for its cinematic quality, which many reviewers describe as feeling more like a 10-hour film than a traditional television show. Key Highlights

Jude Law's Performance: Law is universally lauded for his portrayal of Lenny Belardo (Pope Pius XIII). Critics describe his performance as "exceptional" and "unpredictable," capturing a character who is simultaneously cold, stoic, and deeply vulnerable.

Visual & Atmospheric Mastery: The show is noted for its "lush" and "surreal" cinematography, featuring iconic scenes like the Pope dressing to "Sexy and I Know It". Despite not being filmed in the actual Vatican, its production design is frequently rated as "11/10" by viewers.

Complex Narrative: The plot follows the youngest Pope in history as he rejects being a "puppet" for elder Cardinals, instead implementing an ultraconservative and radical agenda. The story is built on "Machiavellian" power struggles and intricate conversations rather than physical action. Critical Perspectives Pacing

Some critics found the middle episodes "lugubriously paced" and "cryptically written". Theology

While some conservative Catholics praised its portrayal of tradition, others criticized it as a "cartoonish" or "theologically toxic" caricature of the Church. Character Arcs

While most characters have solid arcs, some reviewers felt the Pope's personal growth in the finale felt sudden. Review Summary

The Young Pope Season 1 is a 10-episode drama series that explores the fictional rise of Pope Pius XIII, the first American Pope in history. Created by Paolo Sorrentino

, the show is known for its lush, surreal visuals and its portrayal of a deeply mysterious and contradictory pontiff. Core Premise & Storyline The Young Pope (TV Mini Series 2016)

The Young Pope (2016) is a visually stunning, surrealist dive into the heart of the Vatican, following the rise of Lenny Belardo (Jude Law), the first American Pope. Taking the name

, Lenny is a chain-smoking, Cherry Coke Zero-drinking 47-year-old who defies every expectation of a modern pontiff. The Hook: Not Your Average Pope

Initially believed to be a media-friendly "compromise candidate" that the seasoned Vatican cardinals could control, Lenny quickly proves to be a cunning and uncompromising traditionalist.

The Inversion: Unlike the "progressive" vibe his youth might suggest, Lenny seeks to bring the Church back to an era of mystery and strict dogma. Title: A Divine Provocation: A Review of The

The Mystery: He refuses to show his face to the public, believing that absence creates desire and restores the Church's lost power.

The Conflict: Much of the season focuses on the power struggle between Lenny and Cardinal Voiello (Silvio Orlando), the Vatican’s master of political intrigue who is constantly trying to find "leverage" over the new Pope. Why It’s Worth Watching

Reviewers from sites like Pop Cult and IndieWire highlight several stand-out elements: The Young Pope (TV Mini Series 2016) - IMDb

The Young Pope (Season 1): Faith, Power, and the Unknown The Young Pope

, a 10-part miniseries created and directed by Academy Award-winner Paolo Sorrentino, debuted in 2017 as a visually dazzling exploration of the Catholic Church’s inner sanctum. Starring Jude Law as the first American Pope in history, the series balances surreal dreamscapes with high-stakes political maneuvering. Plot Overview: A Radical New Reign

The series begins with the unexpected election of Lenny Belardo, a young and charismatic cardinal from New York, who takes the name Pius XIII. While the College of Cardinals—led by the Machiavellian Secretary of State, Cardinal Voiello—initially believed they could manipulate him as a media-friendly puppet, Lenny quickly proves to be a fiercely conservative, unpredictable, and autocratic leader.

Lenny’s papacy is defined by a rejection of modern visibility. He refuses to allow his face to be used on merchandise or to be seen by the public, choosing instead to deliver his first homily from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica shrouded in darkness. He demands absolute, fanatical devotion to God, pushing the Church toward an era of tradition that many thought was long gone. Key Characters

Pope Pius XIII (Lenny Belardo): Played by Jude Law, Lenny is a complex orphan haunted by his parents' abandonment, which fuels both his narcissism and his desperate search for God.

Sister Mary: Portrayed by Diane Keaton, she is the nun who raised Lenny in an American orphanage and becomes his most trusted, non-traditional advisor in the Vatican.

Cardinal Angelo Voiello: The cunning Vatican Secretary of State who initially tries to dig up "dirt" on Lenny to regain control of the papacy.

Cardinal Michael Spencer: Lenny’s former mentor, who is embittered after being passed over for the papacy.

Jude Law’s Career-Defining Performance

It is impossible to discuss The Young Pope Season 1 without acknowledging Jude Law’s tour de force. Law disappears into Lenny Belardo. He is icy, cruel, and mesmerizing. One moment he is delivering a homily so beautiful it brings nuns to tears; the next, he is humiliating a cardinal for suggesting a new marketing campaign for the Church.

Law’s physicality is key. The Pope’s white cassock becomes a uniform of power, but Law plays Lenny as a man constantly waging war against his own flesh—denying himself food, sleep, and human touch. The famous "Smoking Pope" image (no pun intended) becomes a visual metaphor for rebellion. He inhales nicotine like incense, blowing smoke in the face of a God he claims to represent but isn’t sure he believes in.

Should You Watch The Young Pope Season 1 in 2025?

Absolutely. In an era of predictable streaming content, The Young Pope Season 1 is a bold, risky, and intellectually challenging work of art. However, it requires patience. This is not a show to play in the background. It demands full attention for its slow, meditative pacing and allegorical storytelling.

Watch if you enjoy:

The psychological tension of Succession (but with clergy).
The surreal imagery of Fellini or David Lynch.
Jude Law being dangerously handsome while saying rosaries.
Philosophical debates about the existence of God packaged in high fashion.

Skip if you need:

Fast-paced action or episodic plot resolution.
A straightforward, reverent portrayal of Catholicism.
Content warnings: There are discussions of pedophilia (handled critically), sexual fetishism, and complex trauma.

Notable episodes and moments

The early scenes of Lenny’s election and first public appearances establish his mystique and the show’s audiovisual register.
Private confrontations — especially with Sister Mary and a few high-ranking cardinals — reveal the moral and emotional stakes beneath Vatican politics.
Sorrentino’s final episodes in Season 1 leave several threads unresolved, emphasizing character and mood over tidy plot closure.

Premise and tone

The series opens with the improbable election of Lenny Belardo, the first American pope in centuries, a pontiff who combines doctrinal rigidity with contrarian eccentricity. Sorrentino leans into contrasts: ancient rituals and modern media; divine claims and human frailty; solemn ceremony and absurd spectacle. The tone shifts between reverence and irony, often landing in a liminal space where the sacred looks performative and the performative hints at the sacred.

The Premise: What Is The Young Pope About?

The plot of The Young Pope Season 1 is deceptively simple. Lenny Belardo (played with chilling precision by Jude Law), an American orphan raised by nuns, rises through the ecclesiastical ranks via a web of Vatican political manipulation. He is elected Pope Pius XIII. He is handsome, youthful, and charismatic—but he is not the reformer anyone expected.

Unlike his liberal rivals who anticipate a "people's Pope," Pius XIII is a conservative hardliner. He refuses to appear in public, denies the Vatican's business managers access to funds, and openly mocks the concept of mercy. His first act as Pope is to deliver a hellfire sermon to cardinals who assumed they could puppet him. He declares God does not exist to provide answers, but to leave riddles.

The season follows Lenny’s ruthless consolidation of power. He blackmails the Secretary of State (James Cromwell), exiles his mentor (Silvio Orlando), and attempts to rewrite Catholic doctrine. Yet, beneath the Armani cassocks and the abrasive exterior lies a traumatized child abandoned by hippie parents. The central tragedy of The Young Pope Season 1 is the collision between a man who wants to control the world's oldest institution and the boy who just wants his mother to come back.

Weaknesses

Pacing can be uneven; some viewers may find moments indulgent or slow.
Ambiguity is deliberate but occasionally frustrating — plot threads are left open or symbolic rather than resolved.
Those seeking a realistic procedural about Vatican politics may be disappointed; this is allegory and mood over verisimilitude.