Jude Law, star of The Young Pope, has insisted his new series does not judge the Vatican but welcomes discussion into conservative Catholicism.

The British actor plays the "troubled and conflicted" Pope Pius XIII in the fictional ten-part series - airing on Sky Atlantic later this month.

In an interview with the Radio Times, Law said he did consider whether it would cause offence but decided the series was not a critique of the religion.

"I'm sure someone somewhere is going to be offended by it, but that's what storytelling is about. Opening discussions, openly, freely and diplomatically ... I'm all for that," said Law.

Image: The show is a co-production between Sky Atlantic, HBO and Canal +

The show follows the ascent of Lenny Belardo to the head of the Catholic Church - a young, chain-smoking, Cherry Coke-swilling Pope struggling with responsibilities.


"It's not The West Wing in the Vatican," said the 43-year old actor when asked about the show's message.

"The themes are more about how an individual survives one's relationship with faith - as opposed to accurately portraying Vatican politics."

In the trailer released earlier this year, Law's pontiff is heard stating he is a contradiction: "I'm God. One in three and three in one. Like man, good and evil."

Sky Italia head Andrea Scrosati, who commissioned the programme, said they worked with consultants from the Catholic Church.

"I don't think they will find it offensive. They will find it challenging," he said.

"Those who have the most sincere faith are the ones that constantly question ... This is the story of the show."

The Young Pope premieres on Sky Atlantic on 27 October.