Jude Law in The Young Pope: FIRST LOOK picture shows star as the head of Catholic Church

Jude Law as Pope Pius XIII in The Young Pope

THE first official photo of Jude Law as the head of the Catholic church in Sky and HBO's forthcoming Vatican drama The Young Pope has been released.

The 42-year-old British star, who plays the fictional American Pope Pius XIII, is seen reclining in a chair and seemingly asleep in a garden in the Vatican.

Jude is decked out in a pristine white and gold papal outfit while a wide-brimmed hat shields his face from the sun.

 

Filming started in July and since then pictures have emerged from set showing Jude in character. In the images Jude has been seen in a similar costume to the latest image as well as more traditional robes and a cap worn by the pope.

The Young Pope follows the tenure of Pope Pius XIII - born Lenny Belardo - as the head of the Catholic Church and explores the conflicts he faces during his time.

 

Jude Law is dressed in a white and gold costume as Pope Pius XIII

Jude Law filming The Young Pope in Rome

Jude Law dresses in a more traditional papal outfit

Jude Law filming scenes for The Young Pope

Pope Francis (R) takes a picture with one of the youths, during an audience with members of the Eucharistic Youth Movement in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican City, 07 August 2015

The character of Pope Pius XIII has been described as "complex". He is so conservative in his decisions that he "borders on obscurantism", yet at the same time he has much compassion for the poor and weak.

He is set to face turbulent times that will challenge him and his faith in god and could put his relationship with those closest to him in jeopardy. 

The eight-part series also stars Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton, who will be playing American nun Sister Mary.

 

The Young Pope will mark her return to television as a regular since the 2006 TV film Surrender, Dorothy. 

The show has been directed by Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino, who says that The Young Pope is a story of "faith". 

Paolo also said that the series will look at: "The inner struggle between the huge responsibility of the Head of the Catholic Church and the miseries of the simple man that fate (or the Holy Spirit) chose as Pontiff."

 

He added that the drama will look at: "How to handle and manipulate power in a state whose dogma and moral imperative is the renunciation of power and selfless love towards one’s neighbour." 

The series is a joint production between Sky, Canal + and HBO and filming is underway.

The Young Pope will air on HBO and Sky Atlantic in 2016