Plot Synopsis

Picking up where THE YOUNG POPE left off, with Jude Law's Lenny Belardo, known as Pope Pius XIII, in a coma. Following an unpredictable and mysterious turn of events, Secretary of State Voiello succeeds in having Sir John Brannox, a charming and sophisticated moderate English aristocrat, placed on the papal throne, adopting the name John Paul III. The new pope seems ideal, but he conceals secrets and has a certain fragility, and Voiello immediately understands that it will not be easy to replace the charismatic Pius XIII. Hanging between life and death, Lenny Belardo has become a Saint, with thousands now idolizing him, fueling the contrast between fundamentalisms. Meanwhile, the Church is under attack from external threats and scandals striking the symbols of Christianity and risking irreversibly devastating the hierarchies. As always, however, in the Vatican, nothing is what it seems. Good and evil proceed arm-in-arm towards history, and to reach the showdown, we must wait for the events to take their course. THE NEW POPE, created and directed by filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino, dives into the inner workings of the Vatican, while exploring the very human desires, vices and fragilities of those in power and the complexities inherent in faith today. THE NEW POPE had its U.S. premiere on Monday, January 13, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT on HBO. The series is also available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and partners' streaming platforms.

"First Episode" (U.S. premiere on Monday, January 13, 2020 at 9pm): Following his sudden heart attack, Pope Pius XIII lies in a coma while his followers fervently pray for a miraculous recovery. As the threat of terrorism and the potential risks of Pius's idolatry loom, Secretary of State Cardinal Voiello is pressured to bring a new pope to power and, with the conclave at a deadlock, makes a hasty move that throws the Church into even greater chaos. Written by Paolo Sorrentino, Umberto Contrarello and Stefano Bises; directed by Paolo Sorrentino.

"Second Episode" (U.S. premiere on Monday, January 20, 2020 at 9pm): As rumors swirl about the Church's role in a sudden death, Voiello, Gutierrez, Assente, Aguirre and Sofia travel to the UK to the grand estate of Sir John Brannox, hoping to convince him to return with them to the Vatican and accept the holiest of roles. An alluring but sensitive man who carries with him an unshakeable family tragedy, Brannox is harder to sway than expected, but a determined Voiello presses ahead. Meanwhile, Ester shares her son's story with the press to makes ends meet. Written by Paolo Sorrentino, Umberto Contrarello and Stefano Bises; directed by Paolo Sorrentino.

"Third Episode" (U.S. premiere on Monday, January 27, 2020 at 9pm): Still considering the offer of Supreme Pontiff, Brannox reflects on his past, while Voiello makes clear his commitment to his mission's success. After being elected pope and taking the name "John Paul III," Brannox preaches the importance of family, truth and love in his first public homily and to the cardinals. Ester bonds with Fabiano, a widower and new member of the parish, who offers an unusual solution to her money woes. The Abbess of St. Therese and an anguished Sister Lisette are disheartened when their financial pleas fall on deaf ears. Written by Paolo Sorrentino Umberto Contrarello and Stefano Bises; directed by Paolo Sorrentino.

"Fourth Episode" (U.S. premiere on Monday, February 3, 2020 at 9pm): Following an audience with Marilyn Manson, Brannox decides to pay a visit to Pius XIII and is confronted with the intensity of his predecessor's followers. Later, Brannox appoints Cardinal Spalletta, with whom he shares a past, to a new role. Voiello prepares for a long war with the defiant Sister Lisette after the nuns go on strike. The Church faces the prospect of bankruptcy as the Italian government looks to make changes. Gutierrez has a clandestine meeting, which he later confesses to the pontiff. An angry Fabiano questions Ester's commitment to her faith. Written by Paolo Sorrentino Umberto Contrarello and Stefano Bises; directed by Paolo Sorrentino.

"Fifth Episode" (U.S. premiere on Monday, February 10, 2020 at 9pm): A brutal act of terrorism in France leads to an unconventional response from the pope that strikes a chord with the public. Feeling disconnected from her husband, Sofia reaches out to Brannox, who shares more of his personal history. Pius XIII's followers flock to Venice when there's a sudden change in his condition. Written by Paolo Sorrentino Umberto Contrarello and Stefano Bises; directed by Paolo Sorrentino.

"Sixth Episode" (U.S. premiere on Monday, February 17, 2020 at 9pm): A confrontation with Spalletta leads Brannox to deliver some unwelcome news to Voiello. Sofia learns what her husband has been keeping from her. Voiello ties up loose ends. Ester expands her business and takes drastic action when she is met with opposition. Brannox agrees to a live televised interview that asks him to delve into his past. Written by Paolo Sorrentino Umberto Contrarello and Stefano Bises; directed by Paolo Sorrentino.

"Seventh Episode" (U.S. premiere on Monday, February 24, 2020 at 9pm): In Venice, a papal doctor and his wife struggle to care for their sick son and witness a miracle. Pius XIII's devotees grow resigned and change course. An attack on Vatican soil shakes Brannox to his core and prompts him to admit a hard truth to Gutierrez. Sofia comes to Voiello for advice on how to handle the pope. Written by Paolo Sorrentino Umberto Contrarello and Stefano Bises; directed by Paolo Sorrentino.

"Eighth Episode" (U.S. premiere on Monday, March 2, 2020 at 9pm): Sofia sets out to bring an ashamed Brannox back to the Vatican from the Dolomites. Warned by Bauer of the Church's demise unless immediate action is taken, Voiello is called upon to make things right and, later, mourns a tragic loss. The nuns appeal to an unaccommodating Assente.

"Ninth Episode" (U.S. premiere on Monday, March 9, 2020 at 9pm): John Paul III addresses his followers with a message of love that resonates. A historic meeting of the minds occurs after six children and their teacher are taken hostage on the island of Ventotene. As the Church prepares for battle, Voiello receives a visit from a man close to the caliph and a rescue mission has an unexpected conclusion.