In a captivating revelation featured in The Sunday Times, the spotlight shifts from the dazzling runways to the sacred altar as Italian model Edoardo Santini embraces a profound spiritual calling. Having claimed the crown of a national pageant at the tender age of 17, the now 21-year-old seeks to redefine his journey, expressing a desire to “live his passions” in a way that transcends the glamorous world of modeling.
In a surprising turn of events, Edoardo Santini, the 21-year-old Italian heartthrob crowned as the country’s most handsome man, has left fans in awe by revealing his decision to enter a seminary and pursue a calling as a priest. The unexpected move, announced through an Instagram video, sees Santini trading in his life as a model, dancer, and actor for a new chapter as a man of the cloth. “I won’t abandon all my passions; I’ll just live them differently,” he shared, juxtaposing images of his modeling prowess with moments of him kneeling at an altar.
Hailing from near Florence, Santini’s journey to stardom began in 2019 when he clinched the title of Italy’s most beautiful man at just 17, courtesy of a pageant organized by the fashion group ABE. Since then, his Instagram feed, once dominated by fashion shoots, has evolved to include reflections on faith. In 2022, he penned, “This year I discovered the real Church which I thought was dead.”
Amidst this profound transition, Santini, next to a bold photo of himself in a fishnet body stocking, grappled with existential questions, quoting Whitney Houston to convey his inner struggles: “The biggest devil is me. I’m either my best friend or my worst enemy.”
The announcement of his entry into the priesthood, made over the weekend, signifies Santini’s long-standing contemplation of religion. Admitting his fear of delving deeper, he took a significant step last year by living with two priests—an experience he describes as the most beautiful of his life.
This high-profile shift in lifestyle could be a boon for the Catholic Church, which has seen a drastic decline in priest recruitment in recent years. Santini’s decision has, however, stirred mixed reactions, with some expressing disappointment while others, both believers and non-believers, extend their support.
Santini’s potential journey to priesthood doesn’t necessarily signal an end to his quest for fame. Notable examples, such as the singing Sicilian nun Cristina Scuccia, who gained stardom after a TV talent show, prove that religious dedication can coexist with public recognition. The allure of handsome priests for calendars, like the Calendario Romano, suggests that Santini may find himself in demand even in his new spiritual role.
In a reflective post from last year, Santini emphasized the harmony of body and spirit, proclaiming, “The body is a gift, let’s take advantage of it, but put it at the service of the spirit.” As he navigates this uncharted territory, Santini’s journey becomes a testament to the complexities of identity, faith, and the pursuit of happiness.
Edoardo Santini @_edoardosantini_
Photography Cristina Nashed @cristinanashedph
