The most handsome Italian contest winner desires priesthood
1:18 PM EST, December 3, 2023
Four years ago, Edoardo Santini received the title of the most handsome man in Italy after winning a beauty contest. Then embarking on a modeling career, Santini soon felt a calling to walk a different path. Currently, he is honing his knowledge in theology, working towards priesthood.
Edoardo Santini, a 21-year-old local of Castelfiorentino, Tuscany, nurtured a myriad of dreams during his youth. From becoming a swimmer to shining as a film star or runway model, he had an array of ambitions.
In 2019, his title as Italy's most handsome man ushered him onto the runways of high-profile fashion houses. However, as time passed, he felt a pull towards a different journey.
As reported by the ANSA agency, Santini, at the age of 21, is all set to enter the seminary, currently, in the propaedeutic stage, aiming to cultivate a deeper relationship with God and expand his theological knowledge.
"At 21, I am on the path to become a priest, if God wills so," he openly revealed on social media.
Parish service undertaken by the model
Admitting to his wonder about what it meant to be part of the Church since childhood, Santini confessed that "various fears" had initially held him back. Today, he’s courageously exploring that avenue, aiding two parishes within the Florence archdiocese. "Will I become a priest? I'm uncertain, but I am here to find out," he commented on social media.
Santini's decision has prompted spirited discussions and has made a strong impact in Italian news bulletins. Primarily because it is unusual for a highly sought-after model to leave his profession to delve into theological studies. Further, his announcement has come at a time when Italy, akin to Poland, is battling a severe vocation crisis.
"At the age of 21, my father chose to marry my mother when she was pregnant. At 21, my mother embraced motherhood. And now, I am on a path to becoming a priest if God wishes. In the recent past, I've met young individuals who demonstrated what it truly means to be a part of the Church, inspiring me to probe into a question I've had since my youth," the 21-year-old explained as quoted by Italian media.
