A Brief Overview of the Life of St. Padre Pio

Padre Pio, born Francesco Forgione on May 25, 1887, in Pietrelcina, Italy, was a Capuchin friar, priest and mystic who became one of the most well-known and beloved Catholic saints of the 20th century. He had a profound love of Jesus Christ and the Blessed Mother, and was deeply holy and compassionate. Through his ministry and miracles, Padre Pio drew countless people back to their faith.

From a young age, Francesco was drawn to religious life, and joined the Capuchin Friars at age 15, taking the name Pio. He was ordained a priest in 1910. Shortly thereafter, he began to experience mystical phenomena, including visions and the stigmata—the visible wounds of Christ, on his hands, feet and side. The stigmata remained with him for over 50 years and were a source of both veneration and controversy.

Besides the miraculous healings Padre Pio performed, he also had the gift of bilocation and the ability to read hearts. People from around the world made pilgrimages to the monastery in San Giovanni Rotondo to seek his spiritual counsel. When he wasn’t saying Mass, Padre Pio spent much of his day hearing confessions from hundreds of faithful people who waited in line for hours to see him. Padre Pio’s life was not an easy one. He endured both physical and emotional battles with the devil, as well as scrutiny from the Church and skeptics. Despite it all, Padre Pio remained humble, patient and obedient to his order, and always put his trust in God.

His faith and compassion led Padre Pio to found Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza (Home for the Relief of Suffering), which was a hospital offering care for the sick and poor. Today it remains a major hospital and research center.

After years of suffering, on September 23, 1968, Padre Pio died in his cell at San Giovanni Rotondo at age 81. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002. Padre Pio has been known to still perform miracles after his death. Millions of devout followers pray to him for his intercession and healings.

Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer. – Padre Pio