Shrine to Padre Pio in the garden at Ladyewell near Preston in Lancashire. Francesco Forgione (May 25, 1887 - September 23, 1968), canonized as Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, was an Italian Roman Catholic priest who is now venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. He was given the name Pio when he joined the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, and was popularly known as Padre Pio after his ordination to the priesthood. He became famous not only for his piety, but for supernatural events which became associated with him. 固opFoto / Fortean