Rome: The Catholic Church today commemorates St. Pio of Pietrelcina, lovingly known around the world as Padre Pio. Revered for his extraordinary humility, spiritual gifts, and the mysterious stigmata that marked his body for half a century, the Italian Capuchin friar remains one of the most beloved saints of the modern era.
Born Francesco Forgione in 1887 in Pietrelcina, southern Italy, he was raised in a devout Catholic household. His parents, Grazio and Maria, instilled in their children a rhythm of prayer, daily Mass, and simple acts of penance. Of their seven children, five survived, and young Francesco showed early signs of deep spirituality. At just ten years old, he expressed his desire to become a Capuchin friar, declaring: “I want to be a friar – with a beard.” His father even traveled to America to earn money for his son’s religious education.
In 1903, Francesco received the Capuchin habit and took the name Pio in honor of Pope St. Pius V. Four years later, he made his solemn vows and was ordained a priest in 1910. Not long after, Padre Pio experienced the stigmata, the wounds of Christ’s crucifixion, on his own body a mystical phenomenon that drew both awe and controversy.
Fragile health forced Padre Pio to live away from his friary for several years, yet by 1916 he returned permanently to San Giovanni Rotondo, where he would spend the remainder of his life. During World War I, he briefly served in a medical corps and later offered himself as a “victim soul,” embracing suffering for peace and the salvation of souls.
The marks of Christ’s passion reappeared on his body in 1918 and remained until his death fifty years later. Crowds began to flock to him, drawn by reports of healings, spiritual counsel, and his remarkable ability to read hearts in confession. At the same time, skepticism from Church authorities led to restrictions on his ministry, including a temporary ban from public celebration of Mass in 1931. The restrictions were lifted in 1933, with papal encouragement soon following.
Beyond his mystical gifts, Padre Pio was known for tireless service in the confessional, often hearing penitents from dawn until late evening. He also became the driving force behind the creation of the “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza” (Home to Relieve Suffering), a modern hospital that continues to serve thousands in southern Italy.
Padre Pio died on September 23, 1968, surrounded by the faithful who had long recognized his sanctity. His canonization by Pope John Paul II in 2002 confirmed his enduring witness of prayer, sacrifice, and compassion. Three years after his death, Pope Paul VI had already praised him as “a man of prayer and suffering,” admired worldwide for his humble Masses, endless confessions, and visible sharing in the passion of Christ.
Today, St. Pio of Pietrelcina continues to inspire millions across the globe. His feast day invites the faithful not only to marvel at his miraculous life but also to embrace his call to prayer, humility, and trust in God’s mercy the true heart of his sanctity.