Italy's 'most handsome man' leaves modeling to become a priest
What's the story
Italy's most attractive man Edoardo Santini has decided to abandon his modeling career to become a priest.
Santini was crowned Italy's most handsome man in 2019 in the Il Bello d'Italia pageant organized by the fashion group ABE. This victory propelled him into the modeling spotlight.
Santini, 21, has announced on his social media account his choice to prioritize faith over his career.
Calling
His calling to follow his relegion
Santini had dreamed of popularity and had honed his skills in drama and dance. However, a powerful calling steered him to a life of faith.
A week ago in an Instagram video, he shared, "I've decided to give up modeling work, acting, and dance, but I won't abandon all my passions; I'll just live them differently, offering them up to God."
Background
Santini looks forward to becoming a priest
"At 21 years old, my father took the decision to marry my mother because she was pregnant and my mum, at 21, became a mother. I, at 21 years old, find myself taking the path to becoming, God willing, a priest," he shared on the video.
The ex-model has about 10,000 followers on Instagram. His bio reads "I'm a Christian, priest wannabe."
Steps
He took the first step towards priesthood last year
Santini stated that he had made his first step towards priesthood last year.
He said that moving in with two priests last year was "the first step" toward his new objective and was the "best experience" of his life.
Additionally, he mentioned that he started the "preparatory course" at the end of the previous year, which is the year before entering a seminary.
Abandon
I won't abandon everything: Santini
"I won't abandon everything because my passions are part of me, but I will live them and propose them again in different contexts," Santini shared.
He admitted that he was terrified to give up his desire to be an actor. But he's confident he won't regret taking this new path as he is "21 and happy."