Showtime is once again preparing to go papal.
The network, which already has a Pope-centric hit in the form of "The Borgias," has given the green light to pilot tentatively titled "The Vatican," from Ridley Scott and Paul Attanasio, Showtime said Thursday.
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A contemporary exploration of the politics and power plays within the Catholic church, "The Vatican" will be written by Attanasio and directed by Scott, marking the first pilot that Scott has directed.
"The Vatican" is described as "a provocative contemporary genre thriller about spirituality, power and politics – set against the modern-day political machinations within the Catholic church" that will "explore the relationships and rivalries as well as the mysteries and miracles behind one of the world's most hidden institutions."
Production on "The Vatican," which is being produced by Sony Pictures Television in association with Showtime, will begin next year.