Padre Pio exumed for prayers

The exhumed body of a Catholic monk made a saint by the last pope is to be put on display to mark the 40 years since his death.

Church officials opened the tomb of the mystic Padre Pio yesterday, nearly 40 years after his death.

Bishop Domenico D’Ambrosio, who is in charge of the unearthing, said the body was well preserved.

Padre Pio died in 1968 after living for decades with bleeding wounds on his hands and feet, like those Jesus suffered at crucifixion. Pope John Paul II made him a saint in 2002.

Bishop D’Ambrosio said that there was no sign of the stigmata on his limbs, although. Church officials wanted to exhume the body so the faithful can pray before it on the 40th anniversary of his death.