September 23modernRoman

Padre Pio

Priest

Sanctified Life

1887 — 1968

Pietrelcina, Italy

Also Known As

Pio of Pietrelcina

Patronage

civil defense volunteers,adolescents,

"Pray, hope, and don't worry."

A Capuchin friar and mystic who bore the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, for fifty years. His path was marked by intense suffering, supernatural gifts, and a profound ministry of reconciliation in the confessional, drawing millions to San Giovanni Rotondo to seek his spiritual counsel.

Historical Legacy

Historical Journey

The Saint's Path

Tracing the major movements of Padre Pio's life.

Historical Summary (Wikidata)

Pio of Pietrelcina (Italian: Pio da Pietrelcina; born Francesco Forgione; 25 May 1887 – 23 September 1968) was an Italian Franciscan Capuchin, friar, priest, stigmatist, and mystic, now venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church. Commonly known as Padre Pio, he became famous for exhibiting stigmata for most of his life, thereby generating much interest and controversy. He was both beatified (1999) and canonized (2002) by Pope John Paul II. The Sanctuary of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina is located in San Giovanni Rotondo, Province of Foggia, Italy.

Canonization: saint

Historical Depiction

Wikimedia Commons Source

Titles & Roles

• presbyter• mystic• confessor

Writings

book

The Agony of Jesus

Meditations on the passion of Christ.

Sacred Symbols

stigmata gloves

Participation in Passion

rosary

Prayer

Life Journey

Early Life

Born Francesco Forgione; entered the Capuchin order at age 15; suffered continuously from unexplained illnesses.

The Turning Point

Receiving the visible Stigmata (wounds of Christ) in 1918 while praying in the choir loft.

Historical Legacy

Spent fifty years as a 'prisoner of the confessional' and built the 'Home for the Relief of Suffering' hospital.