The “Roman Calendar” has been published in Italy for 20 years. Now her photographer is responding to the criticism.
According to Kathpress, the photographer of a well-known calendar featuring young Roman priests defends his product against criticism. It is true that not all of the twelve models – one for each month – are real Catholic priests, Piero Pazzi told the Milanese daily “Corriere della Sera” (Friday edition). He leaves it to the eye of the beholder to judge.
“How many times did Titian and Tiepolo see the Mother of God – and how many Madonnas did they paint?” asked the 65-year-old. “That’s irrelevant.” The photographer emphasizes that he has never received criticism from real clergy. The photographer said that the wife of a Protestant pastor received it every year as a gift for her husband.
The “Roman Calendar” is a popular souvenir from Italy. It was published twenty years ago and many kiosks now keep it (and other tourist trinkets) running. Each month features a black and white photograph of a young man dressed as a priest. It is a commercial product – religious institutions are not involved.
Young priests as a reason for the future
Young men are portrayed in the calendar because they have a future-oriented presence. “If you put an older priest on this, you might think it’s something that’s in decline,” he said.
Pazzi explained that he also chose the theme of the Catholic priest because tourists associate the clergy with Baroque Rome: “Italians are not interested in them: they are used to living with priests.” but run two cat museums. (APA/ed.)