St. Padre Pio
Italian Capuchin priest (1887-1968), Francesco Forgione of Pietrelcina; received the visible stigmata in 1918 at the friary of San Giovanni Rotondo, where he lived for fifty years and from which he founded the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza hospital (1956). Subject of intense Vatican investigation and restriction in his lifetime; canonized 2002 by John Paul II.
Life & Times
Born: 1887 · Died: 1968 · From: Italy.
Patronage
St. Padre Pio is invoked as the patron of confessors, civil defense volunteers, stress relief, popular, adolescents. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Pray, hope, and don't worry.”— Frequent counsel to spiritual children, recorded in many letters and confirmed in his Letters (Epistolario)
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Padre Pio, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.