Padre Pio

Padre Pio, born Francesco Forgione, was an Italian Capuchin friar and mystic who became famous for bearing the stigmata. He devoted his life to prayer, the confessional, and spiritual guidance. His miraculous healings and spiritual gifts attracted thousands of pilgrims to San Giovanni Rotondo. Declared a saint in 2002, he is venerated as a patron of civil defense volunteers and those suffering.