Welcome to Examine Everything, where we use research, logic, reason and common sense to bring a clearer focus to the blurry edges. Our first blog examines the miracles, stigmata and other phenomena attributed to modern-day saint Padre Pio.
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In light of the recent Padre Pio biopic (Padre Pio, starring Shia Labeouf), I thought we could examine the life of this venerated modern Roman Catholic Saint. We’ll look at the trajectory of his career and popularity, especially the claims of supernatural phenomena that made Padre Pio stand out from his contemporaries.
Who was Padre Pio?
He was born Francesco Forgione in 1887, in the south of Italy. At the age of 15, he became a friar in the Roman Catholic Franciscan Capuchin order. After eight years Padre Pio became a priest. That was the same year the stigmata that he bore until the day of his death appeared on his palms, feet and side.
Miracles and Growing Popularity
Padre Pio was known for performing many miracles, such as healing the sick and blind, casting out demons, prophesying, and appearing in two places at once.
He was well liked by his fellow clergy and was known for his jokes. He was so popular with the public that despite not having taken the exam to receive a preaching license, he was given honorary permission to preach.
Padre Pio was considered a "living saint" during his ministry and many devotees attended his masses and visited him. This was even encouraged by Pope Pius XII, who assumed the papacy in 1939.
Death and Sainthood
Padre Pio often said, “After my death, I will do more. My real mission will begin after my death.” *
In his last decade Padre Pio’s health steadily declined. He died on the morning of September 23, 1968. He was 81. Some witnesses said the stigmata he bore for 50 years vanished the day he died. He is also credited with over 1,000 posthumous miracles.
In 1971, three years after Padre Pio’s death, Pope Paul VI spoke to the Capuchin order about him:
“Look what fame he had, what a worldwide following gathered around him! But why? Perhaps because he was a philosopher? Because he was wise? Because he had resources at his disposal? Because he said Mass humbly, heard confessions from dawn to dusk and was–it is not easy to say it–one who bore the wounds of our Lord. He was a man of prayer and suffering.” **
Padre Pio was beatified in 1990 and subsequently canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 16, 2002
Also known as Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Padre Pio is the patron saint of civil defense volunteers.
Since Pio's death, millions of pilgrims have visited the various landmarks affiliated with him: the Shrine of Padre Pio; the House of Relief of Suffering (hospital founded by Padre Pio) which offers guided tours; his exhumed body on display in a glass coffin; and the tomb he was originally buried in at Santa Maria delle Grazie Church. They are all located in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, where he spent his adult life.
In Part 2: Padre Pio: The Stigmatist we will examine one of the specific miraculous claims associated with Padre Pio.
*Schug, Rev. John [1987] A Padre Pio Profile)
**Cardinal O’Malley OFM Cap. Prayer, etc”. Archdiocese of Boston.