Padre Pio (1887-1968) was a Capuchin priest known for bearing the stigmata--the five wounds of Christ crucified--making him the only priest in Catholic history officially recognized with this phenomenon. He was also associated with extraordinary spiritual gifts, including bilocation, prophecy, and both physical and spiritual healings. Renowned for his holiness and insight, he often spent up to sixteen hours a day hearing the confessions of pilgrims who traveled from around the world to see him.

On June 16, 2002, Padre Pio was canonized a saint by Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square, at what was reported to be one of the largest gatherings in the city's history.