For 20 Years, a Calendar’s Face Hid the Truth About Priests

Giovanni Galizia and the Calendario Romano

According to Главком: Giovanni Galizia, who served as the face of the Calendario Romano for two decades, has admitted he never had any ties to the clergy. Now 39, he works as a flight attendant for a Spanish airline. Galizia first met photographer Piero Pazzi at age 17, when he shot his first cover for the calendar. Since then, he became the iconic figure of this popular project, which features priests.

Photography and Social Projects

Photographer Piero Pazzi confirmed that one-third of the models for the 2027 calendar are actual priests. This sparks interest because Galizia, depicted in the calendar, is not one of them. As he recalls,

“It was the smile of an embarrassed child, because I saw all my friends in front of me laughing loudly, since I was dressed as a priest.”

The Calendario Romano is available at shops in central Rome or near the Vatican, priced at around 8 euros. Separately, in New Zealand, the Wahine Toa 2026 calendar was created, featuring female firefighters. Thirteen firefighters from nine stations and three cities participated in that project. Proceeds from the Wahine Toa 2026 calendar support the Breast Cancer Cure organization.

This situation illustrates how cultural projects like the Calendario Romano can spark debates around religious and social themes. While Galizia became a symbol of the calendar, his lack of connection to the priesthood highlights how the popularity of such projects often hinges on public perception. It is also worth noting that the Wahine Toa 2026 calendar has a social purpose, showcasing the diversity and breadth of similar initiatives, which can be both commercial and charitable.