History of Padre Pio in Timeline

"Padre Pio", born Pio of Pietrelcina, was an Italian Capuchin friar recognized for his piety and purported miracles. Known for bearing the stigmata, wounds resembling those of Jesus Christ's crucifixion, he gained international renown, attracting numerous pilgrims to his monastery. Canonized in 2002, he remains a revered figure in the Catholic Church, particularly in Italy, where his shrine draws millions of devotees annually.

January 1903: Padre Pio Enters the Capuchin Order

On January 6, 1903, at 15, Francesco Forgione entered the Capuchin friars' novitiate in Morcone. He took the name Fra Pio to honor Pope Pius I, and on January 22, he received the Franciscan habit.

1903: Padre Pio's Novitiate Period

Padre Pio began his novitiate period in 1903, marking the beginning of his formal training to become a priest.

1904: Conclusion of Padre Pio's Novitiate Period

Padre Pio concluded his novitiate period in 1904, marking the end of his formal training to become a priest.

June 1905: Padre Pio's Health Deteriorates

Padre Pio's superiors sent him to a mountain convent in June 1905, hoping the change in air would improve his declining health. Despite their efforts, his health didn't improve.

January 1907: Padre Pio Makes Solemn Profession

Despite his health challenges, Padre Pio made his solemn profession on January 27, 1907, signifying his commitment to the Capuchin Order.

August 1910: Padre Pio is Ordained a Priest

Padre Pio was ordained a priest in August 1910 at the Cathedral of Benevento by Archbishop Paolo Schinosi. He celebrated his first Mass four days later at the parish church of Our Lady of the Angels.

March 1912: Early Signs of Stigmata and Correspondence with Father Agostino Gemelli

In March 1912, Padre Pio wrote to his spiritual advisor, Father Agostino Gemelli, about experiencing pain and markings on his body resembling stigmata. He shared his deep connection to the mystical body of Christ and a premonition of bearing the stigmata. Interestingly, his letter seemed to echo passages from a book by the mystic Gemma Galgani, who herself was a stigmatic.

November 1915: Padre Pio Drafted into Military Service

Padre Pio was drafted into the Italian army in November 1915 during World War I and assigned to the medical corps.

1915: Padre Pio's Confession of Stigmata and Visions

In 1915, in response to inquiries from Father Agostino, Padre Pio confirmed experiencing visions since his novitiate period (1903-1904) and bearing the stigmata. He admitted to pleading with God to remove the visible wounds due to the overwhelming humiliation they caused, though he wished to retain the pain.

September 1916: Padre Pio Returns to Community Life

In September 1916, Padre Pio was ordered back to his community life at Our Lady of Grace Capuchin Friary in San Giovanni Rotondo.

1916: Padre Pio Returns to His Hometown

Padre Pio remained in his hometown of Pietrelcina until 1916 due to his poor health. During this time, he cared for his family when his father and brother went to the United States. Throughout this period, he frequently wrote mystical letters to his spiritual directors.

March 1918: Padre Pio Discharged from Military Service

Due to persistent poor health, Padre Pio was repeatedly discharged and recalled to service until March 16, 1918, when he was deemed unfit for duty and fully discharged.

August 1918: Padre Pio's Mystical Experience and the Wound on His Side

In August 1918, weeks before the reported reappearance of the stigmata, Padre Pio underwent a profound mystical experience. Lasting from August 5th to 7th, he described sensations of piercing and burning, both spiritual and physical. This experience, interpreted by his spiritual director Padre Benedetto as a transverberation, allegedly left a physical wound on Padre Pio's left side, described by many as a cross-shaped mark about three inches long.

September 1918: Reappearance of Stigmata and Public Awareness

On September 20, 1918, while taking confession, Padre Pio experienced a reappearance of the physical stigmata. These marks, said to emit a floral scent, persisted for the next fifty years. By 1919, news of his stigmata began to spread, despite his attempts to conceal them with gloves and coverings due to embarrassment.

September 1918: Padre Pio Exhibits Stigmata

Padre Pio began to display permanent wounds on his hands and feet, known as stigmata, in September 1918. This event significantly contributed to his growing reputation for sainthood in the San Giovanni Rotondo region.

1918: Padre Pio Receives the Stigmata

Padre Pio's reputation for sainthood grew rapidly after September 1918 when he began to display permanent wounds on his hands and feet. This occurrence, known as stigmata, drew hundreds of believers to the monastery daily to see him.

1919: Public Awareness of Padre Pio's Stigmata Grows

By 1919, news of Padre Pio's stigmata began to spread widely, drawing attention and scrutiny.

1919: Dr. Festa's First Examination of Padre Pio

Dr. Festa conducted his initial examination of Padre Pio in 1919, marking the beginning of his involvement in the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Padre Pio's stigmata.

1919: Pathologist Amico Bignami Examines Padre Pio's Wounds

In July 1919, pathologist Amico Bignami arrived in San Giovanni Rotondo to conduct a medical examination of Padre Pio's wounds. Bignami proposed several hypotheses to explain the nature of the wounds, including the possibility of skin necrosis hindered from healing by chemicals like iodine tincture.

1919: Dr. Luigi Romanelli's Examination of Padre Pio's Stigmata

On May 15 and 16, 1919, Dr. Luigi Romanelli, chief physician of the Barletta civil hospital, conducted an examination of Padre Pio's stigmata at the behest of the provincial father superior. In his report, Romanelli noted the reddish-brown membranes covering the wounds on Padre Pio's hands, the absence of bleeding, swelling, or surrounding inflammation, and his conviction that the wounds were not superficial.

1919: Description of Padre Pio's Stigmata

Rossi described the stigmata in detail in his notes and report. He noted the visibility of the hand wounds, the fading nature of the foot wounds, and the triangular, wine-red mark on the chest, similar to descriptions from Dr. Bignami and Dr. Festa in 1919.

August 1920: Blessing a Flag and Alleged Fascist Ties

Sergio Luzzatto, an Italian historian, suggests that in August 1920, Padre Pio blessed a flag for veterans with fascist connections.

1920: Dr. Festa's Second Examination of Padre Pio

Dr. Festa conducted a second examination of Padre Pio in 1920, further deepening his interest in the phenomenon of Padre Pio's stigmata.

1920: Clinical Examination by Father Agostino Gemelli

In 1920, Father Agostino Gemelli, a physician and psychologist, was commissioned to examine Padre Pio's wounds. Pio refused the examination, demanding written authorization from the Holy Office. Gemelli left, concluding that Pio was "a man of restricted field of knowledge" and that the stigmata were a result of "suggestion unconsciously planted" by Father Benedetto.

June 11, 1921: Apostolic Visitation by Bishop Raffaele Rossi

Bishop Raffaele Rossi was commissioned by the Holy Office to conduct a canonical inquiry concerning Padre Pio.

October 4, 1921: Rossi's Report on Padre Pio

Rossi submitted a positive report to the Holy Office stating that Pio was a good religious and the San Giovanni Rotondo convent was a good community. He found no explanation for the stigmata but dismissed claims of deceit or demonic influence.

1921: Restrictions on Padre Pio's Priestly Duties

In 1921, the Church authorities made the decision to relocate Padre Pio to another convent in northern Italy. This decision was met with resistance from the local people, who threatened to riot. As a result, Padre Pio was allowed to stay in San Giovanni Rotondo. However, from 1921 to 1922, he was restricted from publicly performing his priestly duties, including hearing confessions and saying Mass.

1922: Partial Lifting of Restrictions on Padre Pio's Duties

By 1922, some restrictions on Padre Pio's priestly duties were lifted, but the controversy surrounding his stigmata and the Church's cautious stance towards his alleged miracles continued.

March 1923: Prayer Requests and Political Figures

Throughout his life, Padre Pio received numerous prayer requests, including one from Alfonso XIII in March 1923. He also prayed for notable political figures like George V.

1924: The Holy See Denies Divine Cause for Events in Padre Pio's Life

In 1924, the Holy See issued statements denying any divine intervention in the events surrounding Padre Pio's life. This marked a period of skepticism and scrutiny from the Church towards Padre Pio's alleged miracles and stigmata.

1925: Dr. Festa Submits Report on Padre Pio's Stigmata to the Holy Office

In 1925, Dr. Festa submitted his report on Padre Pio's stigmata to the Holy Office, presenting a more favorable view of the phenomenon and challenging the critical stance taken by Dr. Agostino Gemelli.

1925: Second Examination by Gemelli

In 1925, Gemelli re-examined Pio, who allowed him to see the wounds this time. Gemelli attributed them to a corrosive substance, comparing them to self-inflicted wounds he had observed in soldiers.

1925: Padre Pio Establishes a Small Clinic

Recognizing the need for medical care, Padre Pio converted an old convent building into a small medical clinic in 1925. This clinic primarily served individuals facing extreme needs.

April 1926: Gemelli's Report and Criticism

Gemelli wrote a report in April 1926, reiterating his belief that Pio's wounds were self-inflicted and criticizing Pio's mental abilities. He also responded to criticism from Jesuit Festa, defending his knowledge of self-inflicted wounds.

1928: Death of Padre Pio's Mother

Padre Pio's mother passed away in 1928 in the village near the convent where he resided.

1929: Death of Padre Pio's Mother

In 1929, Padre Pio's mother passed away in the village surrounding the convent.

1931: Continued Skepticism from the Holy See

The Holy See continued to express skepticism toward Padre Pio and the events surrounding his life, casting a shadow of doubt over his alleged miracles and stigmata.

1933: Reversal of Ban on Public Mass

Pope Pius XI lifted the ban on Padre Pio's public celebration of Mass, acknowledging he had been misinformed about him.

1934: Permission to Hear Confessions and Preach

Padre Pio was allowed to hear confessions again and granted permission to preach, despite not having a preaching license.

1938: Padre Pio's Father Moves In

In 1938, Padre Pio's elderly father, Grazio, moved in with him, finding a home near his son.

1939: Papal Encouragement from Pius XII

Pope Pius XII encouraged devotees to visit Padre Pio.

1940: Committee Formed for a Larger Clinic

By 1940, the need for a larger medical facility became apparent. A committee was formed to oversee the establishment of a bigger clinic, and donations began pouring in.

1940: Gemelli's Continued Opposition

Gemelli continued to write to the Holy Office, expressing his concerns about the claims of Pio's sanctity.

1946: Death of Padre Pio's Father

Padre Pio's father, Grazio, died in 1946 after living with him for several years in a small house near the convent.

1947: Gemma de Giorgi's Alleged Healing

In 1947, Gemma de Giorgi, a young Sicilian girl born without pupils, was brought to Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo by her grandmother. During the visit, Gemma reportedly began perceiving objects, including a steamboat and the sea. Despite the grandmother's initial skepticism, Padre Pio insisted the child could see, further fueling belief in his miraculous healing abilities.

1947: Karol Wojtyła's First Pilgrimage

In 1947, a young Karol Wojtyła, later Pope John Paul II, journeyed to San Giovanni Rotondo for the first time to meet Padre Pio.

1947: Meeting with Karol Wojtyła (Pope John Paul II)

In 1947, the 27-year-old Father Karol Józef Wojtyła, who would later become Pope John Paul II, visited Padre Pio for confession. According to Cardinal Alfons Stickler, Wojtyła shared that Padre Pio predicted his ascension to "the highest post in the Church". While the existence of this prophecy is debated, it's a significant event considering John Paul II's later efforts to canonize Padre Pio.

1947: Construction Begins on Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza

With the funds raised, construction began on the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza ('Home for the Relief of Suffering') in 1947, marking a significant step towards fulfilling Padre Pio's vision of providing healthcare to those in need.

1948: Support for Christian Democracy

In 1948, Padre Pio expressed support for the Christian Democracy party, influencing their electoral success and drawing criticism from Italian communists.

1949: Padre Pio Prayer Groups and Hospital Bulletin

A biweekly bulletin named after the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza hospital, established in 1949, played a crucial role in the development and growth of the Padre Pio prayer groups.

1951: First Statutes of Prayer Groups Codified

The initial set of rules and guidelines for the Padre Pio prayer groups were formally documented and implemented in 1951.

1954: Medical Examination and Controversy Surrounding Padre Pio's Stigmata

In 1954, Dr. Alberto Caserta conducted an X-ray examination of Padre Pio's hands, finding no skeletal abnormalities. However, critics continued to question the authenticity of the stigmata. Accusations arose, suggesting Padre Pio used carbolic acid for artificial wounds. Testimony from Maria De Vito suggested Padre Pio purchased carbolic acid and veratrine without a prescription. While Padre Pio maintained the carbolic acid was used for sterilizing medical equipment, the controversy surrounding his stigmata persisted.

1956: Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Opens

The Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, a testament to Padre Pio's vision and compassion, officially opened in 1956. To ensure transparency and proper management, Padre Pio handed direct control of the hospital to the Holy See.

1957: Pope Pius XII Grants Dispensation to Padre Pio

To enable Padre Pio to directly supervise the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Pope Pius XII granted him a dispensation from his vow of poverty in 1957. This decision allowed Padre Pio to oversee the hospital's operations and finances, although it also attracted criticism from his detractors.

1963: Reaction to Kennedy's Assassination

Padre Pio was deeply moved by John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963. When asked to pray for Kennedy's salvation, he asserted, "It's not necessary. He's already in Paradise."

1963: Dismissal of Accusations by Pope Paul VI

Pope Paul VI, who reigned from 1963 to 1978, dismissed all accusations against Padre Pio.

September 1968: Padre Pio's Final Hours

In the early morning hours of September 23, 1968, Padre Pio made his last confession and renewed his Franciscan vows. Holding his rosary, he was unable to recite the Hail Marys aloud, instead repeating "Gesù, Maria" ("Jesus, Mary"). At around 2:30 a.m., he died peacefully in his cell in San Giovanni Rotondo.

September 1968: Death of Padre Pio

Padre Pio's health declined in the 1960s, but he persevered in his spiritual work. On September 22, 1968, he marked the 50th anniversary of receiving the stigmata by celebrating Mass. However, he appeared exceedingly weak. The following day, September 23, 1968, Padre Pio passed away at 81 in San Giovanni Rotondo.

1968: Silicone Mask Created

A lifelike silicone mask was created based on a 1968 photograph of Padre Pio to cover his deteriorated face for display.

1968: Growth of Padre Pio Prayer Groups at Time of Death

By the time of Padre Pio's death in 1968, there were about 700 active prayer groups, with a total of 68,000 members across 15 countries.

1968: Padre Pio's Death and Pilgrimage Site

Following his death in 1968, the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church, where Padre Pio served, became a significant pilgrimage destination for his followers.

1968: Padre Pio's Death

Padre Pio remained at San Giovanni Rotondo until his death in 1968, dedicating his life to his religious vocation and serving the community.

1974: Karol Wojtyła's Second Pilgrimage

Karol Wojtyła, then a cardinal, made a return pilgrimage to San Giovanni Rotondo in 1974.

1982: Opening of Canonization Investigation

The Holy See authorized an investigation into Padre Pio's potential canonization in 1982.

1986: Vatican Approves New Statutes for Prayer Groups

In 1986, the Vatican gave its official endorsement to the updated set of rules and guidelines governing the Padre Pio prayer groups.

May 1987: Pope John Paul II Celebrates Padre Pio's Birth Centenary

In May 1987, Pope John Paul II revisited San Giovanni Rotondo to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Padre Pio's birth.

1990: Declaration as Servant of God

After seven years of investigation, Padre Pio was declared a Servant of God, marking the first step towards canonization, although his stigmata remained a point of contention.

1990: Debate on Padre Pio's Life Begins

In 1990, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints initiated a debate concerning the life of Padre Pio.

1991: Construction Begins on New Shrine

As the number of pilgrims continued to grow, the Capuchins decided to construct a new shrine, commencing in 1991, near the existing church where Padre Pio served.

1997: Padre Pio Declared Venerable

Pope John Paul II bestowed the title of "Venerable" upon Padre Pio in 1997, marking a significant step towards sainthood.

1998: Underwater statue of Padre Pio submerged

In 1998, an underwater statue of Padre Pio was submerged at 40 feet (12,19 meters) deep, near the coast of the Capraia island in the Mediterranean Sea.

May 1999: Beatification Mass for Padre Pio

In May 1999, over 300,000 devotees gathered in St. Peter's Square, Rome, to witness Pope John Paul II celebrate the beatification mass for Padre Pio.

1999: Padre Pio Declared Blessed

Following the Congregation's recommendation, Pope John Paul II declared Padre Pio "Blessed" in 1999, setting September 23rd as his liturgical feast day.

1999: Publication of "Padre Pio: The Wonder Worker"

In 1999, the book "Padre Pio: The Wonder Worker" by Irish priest Malachy Gerard Carroll was published, featuring the story of Gemma de Giorgi's purported healing.

February 2002: Decree of Canonization Issued

Pope John Paul II officially declared Padre Pio a saint by promulgating the decree of canonization in February 2002.

June 2002: Canonization Mass for Padre Pio

A grand canonization mass, led by Pope John Paul II, took place in St. Peter's Square, Rome, in June 2002, commemorating Padre Pio's sainthood. An estimated 300,000 people attended.

June 2002: Establishment of First St. Padre Pio Parish

The world's first parish dedicated to St. Padre Pio was founded in Kleinburg, Ontario, Canada, in June 2002.

2002: Statue of Padre Pio wept tears of blood

In 2002, a statue of Padre Pio in Messina, Sicily, supposedly wept tears of blood.

2002: Padre Pio TV Launched

Shortly after Padre Pio's canonization in 2002, a dedicated television station, Padre Pio TV, was launched in Italy to broadcast content related to his life and teachings.

July 2004: Sanctuary of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Dedicated

In July 2004, Pope John Paul II dedicated the Sanctuary of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, a large shrine built to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims visiting Padre Pio's final resting place.

2006: Padre Pio: Most Popular Intercessor Among Italian Catholics

A 2006 survey conducted by the magazine Famiglia Cristiana revealed that more Italian Catholics sought Padre Pio's intercession in their prayers compared to any other religious figure.

March 2008: Padre Pio's Body Exhumed

Forty years after Padre Pio's death, his body was exhumed in March 2008 to prepare it for public display.

December 2008: Pilgrimage Extended to View Padre Pio's Remains

The public display of Padre Pio's remains was extended through September 2009 due to the overwhelming number of pilgrims, mostly from Italy, who had reserved their visit up to December 2008.

June 2009: Pope Benedict XVI Visits San Giovanni Rotondo

During a pastoral visit in June 2009, Pope Benedict XVI paid homage to Padre Pio at the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church in San Giovanni Rotondo.

September 2009: Public Display of Padre Pio's Remains Extended

Due to high demand, the public display of Padre Pio's remains, initially intended to end in December 2008, was extended through September 2009.

April 2010: Padre Pio's Remains Moved to Golden Crypt

In April 2010, Padre Pio's remains were relocated to a dedicated golden crypt within the church of Saint Pio, located adjacent to San Giovanni Rotondo.

2011: Publication of Luzzatto's Biography

In 2011, Luzzatto published a biography suggesting a "clerical-fascist mixture" surrounding Padre Pio, alleging his involvement with fascist politician Giuseppe Caradonna and a protective militia.

2013: Global Expansion of Prayer Groups

By 2013, the number of registered Padre Pio prayer groups had significantly grown to around 3,300, spanning 60 countries worldwide.

2015: Padre Pio's Remains in Vatican for Jubilee of Mercy

Padre Pio's remains were temporarily moved to the Vatican for veneration during the 2015-2016 Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.

February 2016: Padre Pio's Relics Displayed During Jubilee of Mercy

As part of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis requested the display of Padre Pio's relics for veneration at St. Peter's Basilica in February 2016.

2016: Padre Pio and Saint Leopold Mandic as Saint-Confessors

Both Padre Pio and Saint Leopold Mandic were designated as "saint-confessors" during the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy to encourage reconciliation with the Church through the sacrament of Penance.

March 2018: Pope Francis Commemorates Padre Pio's Death Anniversary

To mark the 50th anniversary of Padre Pio's passing, Pope Francis made a special visit to Pietrelcina and San Giovanni Rotondo in March 2018.

2021: Construction of new sanctuary dedicated to Padre Pio and inauguration of a statue in Philippines

In 2021, the construction of a new sanctuary dedicated to Padre Pio started in the Philippines, along with the inauguration of a statue of Padre Pio in the Padre Pio Shrine in Santo Tomas, Batangas, Philippines.