Padre Pio, born Francesco Forgione, was an Italian Capuchin friar and priest known for his mystical experiences and stigmata, which bled intermittently and corresponded to the wounds of Christ. He was born on 25 May 1887 in Pietrelcina and died on 23 September 1968 in San Giovanni Rotondo. Padre Pio was renowned for his spiritual depth, his ability to perceive human sins and to heal the sick. In 2002, he was canonised as a saint by Pope John Paul II. His shrine in San Giovanni Rotondo is an important pilgrimage site.
