First on Showmax – The Young Pope

The New York Times called it “Beautiful and Ridiculous” touching on mysteries like death, the soul and the nature of evil. What they didn’t say is how controversial this show is, and how it sheds light on the dark side of religion.

From the very first episode you’ll see that the Cherry-Coke-for-breakfast Pope (played by Jude Law) is not like those who came before, or after him.

Those who put him in power thought he could be controlled. They were wrong. This photogenic young Pope, the first American to ever hold the position, had his own plans for power – and dictators don’t knock.

When his cardinals advised him to get closer to the people in his first address, he did the opposite to create an almost mythical, untouchable status for himself.

This is what he said:

“I am closer to God than I am to you. You need to know that I will never be close to you, because everyone is alone before God. I have nothing to say to those who have even the slightest doubt about God, all I can do is remind them of my scorn, and their wretchedness. I don’t have to prove that God exists, it is up to you to prove that he doesn’t!

The Young Pope will be streaming on Showmax from 13 April, the day before Good Friday.

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