In the heart of Rome, famously known as the "Calendar of the Beautiful Priests," or more colloquially referred to as the "Pin-Up Priests," the anticipation for annually released "Calendario Romano" has never waned. With its 20th anniversary, a secret unveiled: The man gracing the cover, a beloved symbol of Roman Catholic Church cheer, is not a priest at all.
Covering the walls of souvenir stores surrounding the Vatican, the same grinning man in a collar and cassock, a common attire for Roman clergymen, has been a cherished sight for decades. The calendar, initially published in 2004, boasts an attractive, youthful man adorned in church attire every month. The surprising success of this novelty souvenir from Italy has spread globally.
Older tourists find a splash of nostalgia with memories of 1980s TV drama, "The Thorn Birds" which featured Richard Chamberlain as a priest who couldn't resist a woman's charms. Meanwhile, the LGBTQ+ community appreciates this sensual representation of male charm concealed in religious garb.
The line between fact and fantasy began to blur in 2024 when it was eventually revealed that the enigmatic cover-star, Giovanni Galizia from Sicily, was simply posing for a photo taken in Palermo, not Rome, when he was just 17. Galizia, now a steward for a Spanish airline, echoed his lack of remorse with a quip, "I didn't do anything bad. I was just posing for a photo."
Although suspicions have always lingered, various real clergymen have made appearances in the calendar over the years. For instance, "August" hails from Poland. Such genuine priests contribute to the Calendar's undying fame in the Eternal City. The most popular edition year after year is the one featuring the sitting pope, yet the "Pin-Up Priests" remain an enduring favorite at shop windows with views of St. Peter's Basilica.
In the spirit of commercial success, creator Piero Pazzi plans to release another special edition for the Holy Year in 2025. The international demand for "Calendario Romano" will make it accessible online, further spanning its reach across the globe. The calendar has even managed to break into souvenir shops abroad, extending its influence beyond European borders.
Additional Context: Saint Lawrence of Rome, Deacon and Martyr, is celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church on August 10th. He was a deacon in the Early Christian Church who was martyred in 258 AD.
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