Thousands venerate Padre Pio relics in Chicago

People visit St. Francis Borgia Church, 8033 W. Addison St on Sept. 25, 2017 to venerate relics of St. Pio Pietrelcina, who is commonly known as Padre Pio. The relics were on display in Chicago at St Francis Borgia and St. Ita churches as part of a national tour marking the 130th anniversary of Padre Pio’s birth, and the 15th anniversary of his canonization. Organizers say around 18,000 people venerated the relics over the two days. An Italian Franciscan friar, Padre Pio experienced the stigmata (the wounds of Christ) making him the first stigmatized priest in the history of the Catholic Church. He died in 1968 and was canonized by St. John Paul II in 2002. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)