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Padre Pio's Shrine Now 2nd Only to Vatican

Italy's most famous saint displaces Lourdes for religious tourists

By Paul Stinson,  Newser User

Posted May 8, 2008 6:12 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Move over, Lourdes. Padre Pio’s shrine in southern Italy is now the world’s second-largest religious tourist destination, reports the ANSA news agency. About 9 million tourists will visit the saint’s body, a million more than the French site and second only to the Vatican.

Followers believe Pio, made a saint in 2002, bore the wounds of Christ on his hands for at least a half-century. His glass-sided coffin will be on display until September 2009, netting the Padre Pio shrine about $160 million a year.

In this photo released Monday, March 3, 2008, by Voce Padre Pio organization, Archbishop Domenico D'Ambrosio, left, and other priests look at the coffin containing the remains of Padre Pio.
In this photo released Monday, March 3, 2008, by "Voce Padre Pio" organization, Archbishop Domenico D'Ambrosio, left, and other priests look at the coffin containing the remains of Padre Pio.   (AP Photo)
A silicon hand-painted bearded mask of the face of Padre Pio, an Italian saint, is seen on his body in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.
A silicon hand-painted bearded mask of the face of Padre Pio, an Italian saint, is seen on his body in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.   (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
In this photo provided by the Padre Pio Sanctuary, prelates view and photograph the body of Padre Pio.
In this photo provided by the Padre Pio Sanctuary, prelates view and photograph the body of Padre Pio.   (AP Photo/Pare Pio Sanctuary, HO)
A nun films pilgrims gathered at the Padre Pio sanctuary in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, Thursday, April 24, 2008.
A nun films pilgrims gathered at the Padre Pio sanctuary in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, Thursday, April 24, 2008.   (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
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