Rome’s 23-year Priest Calendar Used Non-Priest Models, Selling for 8 Euros Near Vatican
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · May 20
Rome’s 23-year Priest Calendar Used Non-Priest Models, Selling for 8 Euros Near Vatican
14 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · May 20
La Repubblica’s report drew nationwide attention to Rome’s long-running “sexy priest” calendar after identifying cover model Giovanni Galizia as a former 17-year-old model, not a seminarian or priest.
Galizia, now 39 and working as a flight attendant, said the shoot was a joke among friends, while photographer Piero Pazzi said the calendar was conceived as art rather than an attempt to deceive buyers.
Pazzi said at least one-third of the already released 2027 edition’s subjects are actual priests, though he gave no details; many black-and-white portraits are reused across editions.
The independent Calendario Romano is not affiliated with the Vatican, sells for about 8 euros in souvenir shops around St. Peter’s, and moves several thousand copies a year by Pazzi’s estimate.
The disclosure has recast a 23-edition Roman souvenir as a cultural curiosity about the line between religious imagery, commerce and playful provocation.
Is Rome's famous priest calendar a work of art or a two-decade-long public deception?
After 23 years as the calendar's face, should the now-exposed 'fake priest' be compensated?