Saint’s body to go to Vatican for Jubilee

VATICAN CITY- To celebrate the Jubilee announced by Pope Francis, the body of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina will be brought to the Vatican for public viewing from February 8 for a week next year. The news comes directly from San Giovanni Rotondo, 200km North West of Naples, where the saint's remains are kept.

 The Capuchin friar’s remains have been permanently housed in the church since June 2013, where the saint, formerly Francesco Forgione, chose the Gargano promontory to fulfil his mission by creating one of the most important places of worship in the world, as well as founding a hospital which became one of the most advanced health and science facilities in the southern Italy.

Saint Pio di Pietrelcina, canonised by Pope John Paul II in 2002, is known as one of the most charismatic and celebrated religious figures, with followers from across five continents. Part of his popularity stems from his documented life, which was brimming with anecdotes, occurrences and miracles.

In  a communication from Monsignor Michele Castoro, archbishop of the local diocese and Monsignor Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical council, the Pope has wished for the remains of Saint Pio to be transferred to the Vatican because he was a “perfect example of an untiring, welcoming and patient confessor” and a “true testament to God’s mercy”. Consequently, Castoro and Fisichella believe that “his remains will be of great value to all missionaries and priests, who will find strength and support from them.”

Pope Francis is also expecting to meet with Saint Pio of Pietrelcina’s followers on June 13, an important event for the saint’s cult. There are approximately 3,300 Saint Pio of Pietrelcina worship groups in the world, with the vast majority in Italy, but also in the United States, Poland, Argentina and Ireland.