The Basilica of St Francis

Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

The paintings placed along the left wall of the nave depict saints who lived in different ages, some of whom quite recently; this is the case of the first painting starting from the counter façade: it is an oil painting made by Sienese painter Ezio Pollai in 1996 and framed by the marble portal designed by Francesco di Giorgio Martini, portraying Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (1887-1968). The Saint, seated in the foreground, is wearing the Franciscan habit and gloves to protect his hands marked by the stigmata. A crucifix stands out to his right in the background, which is interrupted by a long vertical slit, through which we can catch a glimpse of a wide landscape. The presence of this painting is significant because it celebrates a Saint of our times, known for his extraordinary devotion to confession, for his participation in Christ’s sacrifice, for the mystical gifts and the graces of healing. Just like Saint Francis, even Padre Pio had the stigmata: he received them in 1918 and they disappeared only at his death. The charismatic figure of Padre Pio is venerated by many who feel, through him, the embrace of Jesus. Saint Pio has always been a point of reference for the Christian community even in the most dramatic moments of history, as in the Second World War, a period in which the Saint called the faithful to prayer every day, knowing that the only real victory over evil and human violence comes from Christ.