For two decades, the Calendario Romano has held a prominent position among Rome’s perennial souvenirs, featuring black-and-white portraits of handsome men dressed in clerical attire. However, recent revelations have brought widespread attention to the fact that many of the models featured in the popular publication are not, in fact, members of the clergy.
Giovanni Galizia, now a 39-year-old flight attendant, has served as the calendar’s cover star for many of its 23 editions. Galizia was 17 when he posed for the photograph in his native Palermo, leaning against a church wall. He recently described the experience as a lighthearted “lark,” noting that his expression in the photo was “the smile of an embarrassed kid, because I saw all my friends in front of me laughing out loud because I was dressed like I was a priest.”
The discovery that the calendar models are largely not priests has sparked public discussion, though the publication maintains no official affiliation with the Holy See. The Vatican has declined to comment on the matter. While the calendar has been a staple in souvenir shops surrounding the Vatican and throughout Rome’s historic center for years, the recent scrutiny from the Italian press has highlighted the disconnect between the product’s imagery and the reality of its subjects.
What Comes Next?
While the calendar has historically relied on recycled imagery, the photographer has indicated that at least one-third of the models in the upcoming 2027 edition are indeed priests. Future editions may experience shifts in consumer interest as the distinction between professional models and actual clergy becomes a central point of the product’s identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Calendario Romano affiliated with the Vatican?
No, the calendar has no connection to the Holy See, which has declined to comment on the publication.
How did the models for the calendar get selected?
Photographer Piero Pazzi selected the subjects, including Giovanni Galizia, who was introduced to the photographer by a mutual friend.
Are any of the men featured in the calendar actual priests?
While many of the men featured in past editions were not members of the clergy, the photographer has stated that at least one-third of the models in the 2027 edition are priests.
Do you believe the authenticity of a subject matters when purchasing a souvenir, or is the aesthetic appeal sufficient?
