Since the election of Pope Francis in 2013, the world has witnessed a remarkable surge in interest surrounding fictional works that delve into the complexities of Vatican intrigue. A prime example of this is The Godfather Part III, the final installment in Francis Ford Coppola's iconic crime saga. This film drew inspiration from the sudden and controversial death of Pope John Paul I in 1978, as well as the infamous Banco Ambrosiano scandal that rocked the early 1980s. While the circumstances surrounding Pope Francis' election were free of scandal, the tradition of exploring dark papal intrigue continues to captivate audiences.
The past decade has seen a remarkable increase in the popularity of pope fiction. Following Pope Francis' health concerns in 2025, public interest surged for Edward Berger's critically acclaimed adaptation of Robert Harris' novel, Conclave. This film provided audiences—both Catholic and non-Catholic—with a deeper understanding of the papal election process. Social media platforms were flooded with Conclave references, especially after the passing of Pope Francis on April 21. As white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, viewers worldwide eagerly anticipated the announcement of the new pope.
The announcement revealed that the new head of the Catholic Church is Pope Leo XIV, also known as 69-year-old Robert Francis Prevost, hailing from Chicago. This marks a historic moment, as for the first time in history, an American is leading the Vatican. The novelty of having an American pope has sparked excitement across the nation, with fans celebrating the potential of a Cubs fan in the papal seat.
While we are still uncovering Pope Leo XIV's perspectives, some of his previous statements shed light on his views. Notably, he criticized U.S. Vice President JD Vance for his insensitive visit to the Vatican, and he expressed deep outrage over the murder of George Floyd in 2020. This suggests that Pope Leo XIV may bring a fresh and progressive voice to the Catholic Church, resonating with many in the current socio-political climate.
The notion of an American pope was once considered so outlandish that it inspired an HBO series starring Jude Law, titled The Young Pope, nine years ago. In the series, Pope Pius XIII, also known as Lenny Belardo, is portrayed as a power-hungry leader who believes the common people are unworthy of witnessing His Holiness. He seizes control of the Vatican's political scene and employs Sister Mary, played by Diane Keaton, to protect him from rivals. The series captivated audiences with its dramatic storytelling and Law's outstanding performance.
As we reflect on the bold narratives presented in The Young Pope, it remains to be seen how Pope Leo XIV's tenure will unfold in reality. The second season of the series, titled The New Pope, pushed boundaries even further, receiving acclaim for its elaborate plotting and character development. For those seeking papal suspense and drama, the legacy of The Godfather Part III can now be complemented by the fascinating and contemporary portrayal of papal life through shows like The Young Pope.
As we embrace this new chapter in the Vatican's history, one thing is clear: the world is eager to witness how Pope Leo XIV will navigate the complexities of his role, and whether he will bring a fresh perspective to the Catholic Church. With the blend of reality and fiction intertwining, the narrative surrounding the papacy has never been more intriguing.
