British actor Jude Law arrives at the paddock ahead of the British Grand Prix at the Silverstone Race Circuit, central England, July 6, 2014.
IN PHOTO: British actor Jude Law arrives at the paddock ahead of the British Grand Prix at the Silverstone Race Circuit, central England, July 6, 2014. REUTERS/

“The Young Pope” is all set to arrive at HBO in mid-January. The upcoming limited series follows the journey of the youngest pope ever elected.

Insider revealed that “The Young Pope” is inspired by a fictional story of Lenny Belardo, portrayed in the series as first American pope Pius XIII. Actor Jude Law will be playing as Belardo.

Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino (“The Great Beauty”) helms the series and will reportedly direct 10 episodes.

Belardo is not the type who would follow rules. The young pope was, in fact, never willing to conform to the rules and regulations that Pope life requires. He continues to reject the publicity of his new career. But he looks really good in big hats, which makes female audiences swoon.

The young pope hired a nun to be his chief confidante. The nun was the same woman who has raised him.

The series already began airing in Italy on October 2016 and has been attracting attention since then. Critics and viewers alike seem to enjoy the show, calling it “grotesque” but in the best way, as well as a “twisting character study” according to Insider.

Radio Times commented that “fury” might be a good word to describe the possible reaction among some Catholics to Law’s performance. Still, it can't change the fact that many admire the actor's magnificently ambiguous performance.

Some people believe that the show is a perfect antidote to the schemers and operators of the Vatican.

But Sorrentino was able to make it clear that the show does not intend to cause any potential controversy for the Catholic Church. He told the Hollywood Reporter in 2016 that they weren't trying to take a "provocative stance.”

“It’s a Vatican problem, not mine,” he said. “And it’s not even a problem — if they’re patient enough to see it up to the end, they will understand that we simply tried to tackle with curiosity and with honesty, without taking a provocative stance, to investigate the contradictions and the difficulties and the fascinating aspects of priests and nuns, and one who’s somewhat different from the others: the pope.” Sorrentino said.

Residents in Australia can take advantage of HBO Now to see “The Young Pope.” The first part of the 10-episode series will debut on January 15 at at 9PM.

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