Showtime Orders THE VATICAN Pilot, To Be Directed By Ridley Scott

SHOWTIME has ordered its first pilot for 2013, THE VATICAN, a provocative contemporary genre thriller about spirituality, power and politics – set against the modern-day political machinations within the Catholic church.

The series will explore the relationships and rivalries as well as the mysteries and miracles behind one of the world's most hidden institutions.

Two–time Oscar nominee (Quiz Show, Donnie Brasco) and three-time Emmy® nominee (HOUSE M.D.) Paul Attanasio wrote the hour-long script. Master of modern day cinema and triple Oscar nominee and Golden Globe®-winner Sir Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Prometheus, Blade Runner, Black Hawk Down, THE GOOD WIFE), will direct the pilot – marking his first ever for television.

THE VATICAN will begin production in 2013 and is being produced by Sony Pictures Television in association with SHOWTIME for series consideration. Attanasio, Scott, and David Zucker (THE GOOD WIFE) will serve as executive producers.