Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina (1887–1968) was an Italian Capuchin friar and priest, canonized in 2002 by Pope John Paul II. He became one of the Catholic Church's most popular saints, with a liturgical feast day on September 23.
Born Francesco Forgione in Pietrelcina, Italy, he displayed unusual piety and mystical experiences from a young age. He joined the Capuchin order at 16, taking the name Friar Pio, and was ordained a priest in 1910. In 1916, he was sent to the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in San Giovanni Rotondo, where he remained until his death.
Padre Pio is known for permanently receiving the stigmata of Christ, the marks of the crucifixion, which remained visible until 1968. He was also attributed with gifts such as bilocation, reading consciences, and healings. Despite his fame, he described himself as "a poor friar who prays," centering his spirituality on the Eucharist, prayer, and confession.
One of his significant achievements was founding the "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" (Home for the Relief of Suffering), a modern hospital in San Giovanni Rotondo, in 1956. He died in 1968, and his reputation for holiness led to his beatification in 1999 and canonization in 2002.
