Lenny Belardo is a believer trapped in an institution run by non-believers. The cardinals care about real estate, donations, and media optics. The people want a smiling grandfather. Lenny refuses to give them comfort. He argues that modern Christianity has become too comfortable, too therapeutic. He wants to reintroduce the fear of God.

If you are looking for academic resources or discussion points for a paper on The Young Pope

★★★★½ (4.5/5) Where to stream: HBO Max / Sky / NOW TV

: Analyze how director Paolo Sorrentino uses unconventional aesthetics—such as Pope Pius XIII (Lenny Belardo) smoking or wearing cherry-red slippers—to challenge traditional Catholic iconography.

Lenny’s papacy is defined by a rejection of modern visibility. He refuses to allow his face to be used on merchandise or to be seen by the public, choosing instead to deliver his first homily from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica shrouded in darkness. He demands absolute, fanatical devotion to God, pushing the Church toward an era of tradition that many thought was long gone.