Introduction
Can a young, chain-smoking American with a troubled past truly represent the ancient traditions of the Catholic Church? Paolo Sorrentino’s visually arresting and intellectually stimulating television series, “The Young Pope,” throws viewers directly into this complex question. The series presents a papacy unlike any seen before, a papacy that challenges expectations, tests faith, and ultimately, demands reflection. “The Young Pope” is a thought-provoking exploration of faith, power, tradition, and rebellion within the Catholic Church, challenging viewers to confront their own beliefs and assumptions about religion and authority.
Character of Pope Pius the thirteenth (Lenny Belardo)
A Contradictory Nature
The central figure, Pope Pius the thirteenth, also known as Lenny Belardo, is a walking paradox. He’s played with captivating intensity by Jude Law, portraying a character who is simultaneously arrogant and insecure, pious and ruthless, deeply vulnerable and profoundly self-assured. He’s a Pope who demands obedience but seems to question everything himself. He’s a leader who seeks to restore tradition but does so with radical and often unsettling methods. Examples of his contradictory nature abound throughout the series. One moment, he’s offering a heartfelt prayer, the next, he’s delivering a scathing rebuke to a cardinal. He refuses to be photographed or to give public audiences, yet he commands attention with every word and action. He preaches the importance of mystery and distance, yet he longs for connection and understanding. His very existence within the Vatican walls becomes an act of rebellion, a constant challenge to the established order.
His Relationship with Faith
Lenny’s relationship with faith is perhaps the most intriguing aspect of his character. He’s not a simple believer; he’s a seeker, a questioner, a man wrestling with his own doubts and uncertainties. The mystery of God is central to his papacy. He hides himself to highlight the absence of God in the world. Is he a true believer, or is his faith a tool, a performance? The series never provides a definitive answer. What is clear is that his personal history profoundly shapes his perspective. Abandoned by his parents at a young age, Lenny carries a deep wound, a sense of loss that fuels his search for meaning and connection. This abandonment complex informs his relationship with God, his desire for control, and his need to be loved and accepted. This early trauma gives him a unique perspective on faith, allowing him to understand the pain and uncertainty that many believers experience. He understands faith is not simple or easy, and he is not afraid to explore this complex truth with his followers.
Use of Power
The way Lenny wields his power is equally complex and controversial. He doesn’t hesitate to assert his authority, making it clear that he is in charge and that dissent will not be tolerated. He reassigns cardinals based on perceived incompetence or disloyalty. He dictates policy with little regard for tradition or protocol. He even threatens to reveal the secrets of the confessional, a move that sends shockwaves through the Vatican. But is he using his power for the good of the Church, or to serve his own ambitions? This is a question that the series continually poses, leaving the audience to grapple with the ambiguity of Lenny’s motives. His leadership style is undeniably authoritarian. He makes decisions unilaterally, often without consulting with his advisors. He demands absolute obedience and punishes those who question his authority. But his actions also reveal a deep concern for the Church’s future. He believes that the Church has become complacent and that drastic measures are needed to restore its former glory. He wants to shake things up, to challenge the status quo, and to force the Church to confront its own weaknesses and hypocrisies.
Themes Explored in “The Young Pope”
Faith vs. Doubt
Several powerful themes are explored with nuance throughout “The Young Pope”. One of the most prominent is the tension between faith and doubt. The series delves into the internal struggles of various characters as they grapple with their beliefs and question their faith. Lenny himself is a prime example, constantly wrestling with his own doubts and uncertainties. Sister Mary, his surrogate mother, also experiences moments of doubt, questioning her devotion and her role in Lenny’s life. Cardinal Voiello, the ambitious Secretary of State, is a devout Catholic, but his faith is often tested by the political realities of the Vatican. The series doesn’t shy away from the difficult questions that many believers face, exploring the complexities of faith and the challenges of maintaining belief in a world filled with suffering and uncertainty.
Tradition vs. Modernity
The series also explores the conflict between tradition and modernity. Lenny is a staunch traditionalist, advocating for a return to the Church’s core values and practices. He condemns homosexuality, abortion, and other modern trends that he sees as a threat to the Church’s moral authority. He even goes so far as to ban the use of contraception within Vatican City. His efforts to restore tradition are met with resistance from many within the Church, who believe that the Church must adapt to the changing times if it is to remain relevant. The series presents a nuanced exploration of this conflict, showing the strengths and weaknesses of both sides. It acknowledges the importance of tradition in providing a sense of continuity and stability, but it also recognizes the need for the Church to evolve in order to address the challenges of the modern world.
Power and Corruption
The series also examines the pervasive themes of power and corruption within the Vatican walls. The Vatican is portrayed as a hotbed of political intrigue, where ambitious cardinals vie for power and influence. Backstabbing, scheming, and secret alliances are commonplace. The series exposes the hypocrisy and corruption that can exist even within the holiest of institutions. Cardinal Voiello is a master manipulator, using his political skills to advance his own agenda. Other cardinals are motivated by greed, ambition, and a desire for recognition. The series suggests that power can corrupt even the most devout individuals, leading them to compromise their values and betray their principles.
Love and Loss
Love and loss are intertwined, acting as subtle undercurrents that drive much of the story. Lenny’s past traumas, particularly his abandonment, profoundly influence his actions and his relationships. He struggles to form meaningful connections with others, fearing that he will be hurt again. His relationship with Sister Mary is complex, marked by a deep affection but also by unresolved issues from their shared past. The series explores different forms of love, including familial love, romantic love, platonic love, and divine love. It suggests that love is essential for human connection and fulfillment, but it also acknowledges the pain and heartbreak that can accompany love.
Visuals and Symbolism
Sorrentino’s Distinctive Style
Paolo Sorrentino’s distinctive visual style elevates “The Young Pope” beyond a mere political drama. The slow pacing allows for deeper reflection, allowing scenes and ideas to resonate more fully with the viewer. The long takes create a sense of intimacy and allow the actors to fully inhabit their characters. The striking visuals, often surreal and dreamlike, add to the series’ sense of mystery and intrigue. Sorrentino’s operatic use of music enhances the drama and emotional impact of the scenes. These elements combine to create a unique and unforgettable viewing experience.
Symbolic Imagery
The series makes effective use of symbolic imagery. The kangaroo, a gift to Lenny from the Australian Archbishop, is a recurring symbol throughout the series. Its meaning is open to interpretation, but it could represent the wildness and unpredictability of Lenny’s papacy, or the exotic and unfamiliar nature of his leadership. The Madonna statue, which Lenny keeps in his bedroom, is another powerful symbol. It could represent his longing for a mother figure, his connection to the feminine divine, or his devotion to the Virgin Mary. Even Lenny’s clothing is symbolic. His white robes represent his purity and holiness, but they also serve to isolate him from the rest of the world.
Use of Music
The soundtrack also plays a significant role in the series. Sorrentino makes eclectic choices, using music to create a sense of atmosphere and to underscore the emotional impact of the scenes. Modern electronic music is juxtaposed with classical pieces and religious hymns, creating a jarring but effective contrast. These musical choices often reflect the internal state of the characters, amplifying their emotions and adding another layer of meaning to the narrative.
Critical Reception and Impact
Critical Acclaim and Controversy
“The Young Pope” received both critical acclaim and generated significant controversy. Critics praised Sorrentino’s direction, the performances of the cast, and the series’ thought-provoking themes. Many lauded its boldness and its willingness to challenge conventional portrayals of the Catholic Church. However, the series also drew criticism from some religious groups, who accused it of being blasphemous and disrespectful to the Church. Some took issue with the show’s depiction of Vatican politics, while others disagreed with its portrayal of faith and doubt. The show sparked debate and discussion about the role of the Church in the modern world, the nature of faith, and the meaning of tradition.
Influence and Legacy
“The Young Pope” has had a lasting impact on television and popular culture. It has influenced subsequent shows that explore similar themes of religion, power, and morality. Its distinctive visual style has inspired other filmmakers. And its complex characters have resonated with audiences around the world. It demonstrated that audiences were hungry for intelligent, challenging television that dared to tackle complex and controversial subjects. The show proved that religious themes could be explored in a nuanced and sophisticated way, without resorting to simple stereotypes or predictable narratives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Young Pope” is a triumph of storytelling, a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating exploration of faith, power, and rebellion. It challenges viewers to confront their own beliefs and assumptions about religion and authority, and it leaves a lasting impression of the Church’s power and complexity. It’s a bold and provocative work of art that will continue to be debated and discussed for years to come. The series reminds us that faith is not a simple or easy thing, that doubt and uncertainty are part of the human experience, and that even within the most sacred institutions, there is always room for change and rebellion.
