Vials of blood and the gloves stained with blood from the stigmata wounds of Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina (1887-1968), one of the most famous stigmatists in Church history.
History
Padre Pio bore the visible wounds of Christ's stigmata for 50 years, from 1918 until shortly before his death in 1968. Blood from his wounds was collected in vials and his bloodstained gloves and vestments were preserved. When his body was exhumed in 2008, it was found to be partially incorrupt. His relics are displayed in the Church of San Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo.
Scientific Investigation
Padre Pio's stigmata were examined by numerous physicians during his lifetime. The wounds bled continuously but never became infected. Blood analysis showed it was genuine human blood. The wounds healed completely shortly before his death, leaving no scars — a phenomenon doctors could not explain.
Spiritual Significance
Padre Pio is one of the most beloved saints of the 20th century, known for his stigmata, bilocation, healing, and the ability to read souls during confession. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002. His shrine in San Giovanni Rotondo receives over 7 million visitors annually.
