Pope Francis expressed his gratitude for his March 17, 2018, visit to Pietrelcina and to San Giovanni Rotondo, the places most associated with St. Padre Pio, in remarks after praying the audience with a crowd of some 20,000 on March 18, 2018. And he asked the saint’s blessing on those present.
«Yesterday I went on a visit to Pietrelcina and to San Giovanni Rotondo. I greet affectionately and thank the communities of the dioceses of Benevento and Manfredonia, the Bishops – Monsignor Accrocca and Monsignor Castoro – the consecrated, the faithful, the Authorities. I’m grateful for the warm welcome and carry all in my heart, but especially the sick of the Home for the Relief of Suffering, the elderly and the young people. I thank those that prepared this visit that I truly won’t forget. May Padre Pio bless you all.»
