Director Ridley Scott may be 75 years old, but he has no plans to slow down anytime soon.  After making a welcome return to the sci-fi genre with Prometheus, Scott dove right into directing the Cormac McCarthy-scripted drama The Counselor.  Now, before he settles on his next feature film, Scott is set to make his first foray into television.  EW reports that Scott will direct the pilot for a new Showtime series called The Vatican.  Written by Paul Attanasio (House), the show is described as "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.”

Scott has experience producing on television through his Scott Free banner, but The Vatican will mark his first time directing in the medium.  The order for the show is only for a pilot at this time, but it’s hard to imagine Showtime passing on a Ridley Scott-helmed project. Hit the jump for the full press release.

vatican

Check out the full press release for Showtime's Vatican below:

SHOWTIME® ORDERS THE VATICAN INTO PRODUCTION FOR 2013

Oscar® Nominee Sir Ridley Scott To Direct First-Ever Pilot For TV From Acclaimed Writer Paul Attanasio's Script

LOS ANGELES, CA (December 20, 2012) – 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.