Overview

• The Catholic liturgical calendar commemorates Padre Pío today, one of the most venerated figures of the 20th century.
• Born Francesco Forgione in Pietrelcina in 1887, he joined the Capuchins at 15 and was ordained a priest in 1910.
• In 1918 he reportedly bore the stigmata, prompting testimonies of healings as well as skepticism, and he lived at San Giovanni Rotondo until his death in 1968.
• His ministry centered on hearing confessions and serving the sick, including founding the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza hospital, with earlier Church restrictions later removed.
• Canonized in 2002 by Pope John Paul II, he is honored today with Masses, processions and vigils worldwide, with Argentina reporting strong turnout; the santoral also lists Saint Linus, Saint Thecla and Saint Andrew Fournet.