Breaking the Mold: An American Pope in "The Young Pope" versus Pope Leo XIV
American Pope impersonated by Jude Law in simulation scenario - American-born Pope Contender
In the spotlight of today's streaming landscape, the 2016 series, "The Young Pope," directed by Oscar-winning maestro Paolo Sorrentino ("La Grande Bellezza - The Great Beauty"), features Jude Law as America's first Pope, stirring up the Vatican and the Catholic world. But how does this fictional Pope stack up against the real Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope in history?
"The Young Pope," a partnership between Sky, HBO, and Canal+, is now available for purchase and rental on numerous streaming services, with Season 1 also on Amazon Prime Video's flat rate. But don't mistake Leo XIV for Lenny Belardo, the series' young and enigmatic Pope.
The Rules of the Game
"Habemus Papam" (We have a Pope) sets the stage for ambitious cardinals, who believe they've recruited a pliable puppet in Belardo, the youngest Pope ever and the first American. However, appearances can be deceiving; the young Pope unravels in unexpected ways, subverting the Curia's expectations. Unlike the real Leo XIV, who is 69 years old, the series' Pope is presented as middle-aged.
A Pope with a Twist
Belardo shakes up the Vatican with his unconventional style, which includes a preference for Cherry Coke for breakfast, smoking within the Vatican's hallowed halls (where others are not allowed), and even elevating a nun to his closest advisor. In one of the series' episodes, Belardo attempts to deliver a pro-sexual freedom speech from St. Peter's Balcony, only for it to backfire spectacularly.
In contrast, the media portrays Leo XIV as more of a bridge-builder. He champions inclusivity and denounces exclusion, autocratic governance in democracies, and migration-hostile policies. The public discourse revolves around his past tweets and statements condemning figures like Donald Trump and JD Vance.
Name's the Game
A nod to the series' dramatized history, Belardo chooses the name Pius XIII, referencing Popes Pius XI and Pius XII, who had controversial associations with both Mussolini and Hitler. But unlike Belardo, the real Leo XIV appears to be an anti-fascist.
Conclusion
A shrewdly crafted drama, "The Young Pope" masterfully showcases the intricate power games and conservative revolutions denouncements against the establishment. Although the series was produced over a decade ago, the twists and turns in the Vatican today might not outshine the fictional works. The 2020 sequel, "The New Pope," delves into uncharted waters with John Malkovich, exploring a unique scenario: What happens when the Pope falls into a coma and remains unconscious for months, opening the door for a new Pope to be elected? The cardinals take matters into their own hands.
- Pope
- Jude Law
- USA
- Paolo Sorrentino
- Vatican
- Rome
- Oscar
- Streaming
- Prime Video
- Francis Prevost
- Catholic Church
Insights:
- Fictional Lenny Belardo (Pius XIII): Depicted as a charismatic, complex, and at times ruthless character, Belardo's curious past in an orphanage colors his conflicted faith and inner turmoil.
- Real-life Pope Leo XIV (Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost): Known more for the historical significance of his ascension as the first American Pope, his leadership style is marked by inclusivity and a critique of exclusion and autocratic rule.
- Despite Jude Law's portrayal of Lenny Belardo, the youngest Pope ever in the series "The Young Pope," the real Pope Leo XIV, also known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, is 69 years old and advocates for inclusivity.
- In "The Young Pope," penned by Paolo Sorrentino, a partnership between Sky, HBO, and Canal+, Pope Belardo shakes up the Vatican with unconventional habits like drinking Cherry Coke for breakfast, smoking in the Vatican, and elevating a nun as his advisor.
- Interestingly, while the series' Pope Pius XIII chooses a controversial name referencing Popes Pius XI and Pius XII, who were associated with Mussolini and Hitler, the real Pope Leo XIV seems to be an anti-fascist figure.
- The powerful drama, "The Young Pope," available on streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, masterfully depicts the complex power games within the Vatican, mirroring real-life events yet surpassing them with fictional twists and turns.
