'Popetown' features comedian Ruby Wax as the voice of the Pope and model Jerry Hall as as a fame-hungry Sister Penelope. The cast also includes 'Little Britain' and 'Shooting Stars' comedian Matt Lucas, Mackenzie Crook, who plays Gareth from 'The Office', and 'Brass Eye''s Kelvin Eldon.
Stuart Murphy, controller of BBC Three, said: "After a lot of consideration and consultation, balancing the creative risk with the potential offence to some parts of the audience, we have decided not to transmit the programme."
The decision was made following a consultation with: Murphy; Jana Bennett, director of television; Stephen Whittle, controller of editorial policy; and Alan Bookbinder, head of religion and ethics.
According to Bennett: "Risk taking is, however, a key part of the role of BBC Three, and Stuart and the channel will continue to break new ground in the notoriously difficult ground of comedy."
The corporation intends to recoup some of the losses made from shelving the 10-part series through broadcast and video sales with 'Popetown' programme makers, Channel X and BBC Worldwide.
The move to ban the animated series was welcomed by the Catholic Church. Right Reverend Crispian Hollis, Bishop of Portsmouth, said that it was obvious the series was going to prove controversial.
"Not least among the Catholic community, who hold the person of the Holy Father in the highest regard and affection. Any attempt to belittle or diminish his status as the leader of the Catholic Church is totally unacceptable, and not only to Catholics," he said.
BBC Three has produced comedy shows including 'Monkey Dust', 'Nighty Night' and 'Little Britain'.
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