Blessed Pope Paul VI on Saint Padre Pio's Example

On February 20, 1971, three years after the death of Padre Pio, Pope Paul VI, speaking to the Superiors of the Capuchin Order, said of him:

Look what fame he had, what a worldwide following gathered around him! But why? Perhaps because he was a philosopher? Because he was wise? Because he had resources at his disposal? Because he said Mass humbly, heard confessions from dawn to dusk and was – it is not easy to say it – one who bore the wounds of our Lord. He was a man of prayer and suffering.