Holy deception: Rome's 'sexy priest' calendar star never set foot in a seminary
A popular calendar featuring young men in priestly attire has been revealed to include mostly non-clerics. Giovanni Galizia, who has been the cover model for many editions, was never a priest himself. The calendar, which has been sold for two decades, is not affiliated with the Vatican and has sparked discussions about the portrayal of clergy in media.
- ▪The 'sexy priest calendar' has been a bestseller in Rome's souvenir shops for two decades.
- ▪Giovanni Galizia, the cover model, was just 17 when he participated in the shoot and is now a flight attendant.
- ▪The calendar is not officially linked to the Vatican, which has declined to comment on its content.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onHoly deception: Rome's 'sexy priest' calendar star never set foot in a seminaryA calendar featuring close-ups of young, handsome priests has been a popular Rome souvenir for two decadesByCOLLEEN BARRY Associated Press and PAOLO SANTALUCIA Associated PressMay 20, 2026, 1:47 PM1:43Giovanni Galizia poses with the 'Calendario Romano' calendar that has for two decades been a bestseller in Rome’s souvenir shops, at his home in Verona, Italy, Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
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