Saint Pio's remains start journey to Rome

(ANSA) - San Giovanni Rotondo, February 3 - The remains of Saint Pio - better known as Padre Pio of Pietrelcina - on Wednesday were taken from the church dedicated to him in San Giovanni Rotondo and started their journey to Rome. Pope Francis wanted the remains to be temporarily moved to Rome as part of the extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. The remains are set to arrive at the Capuchin church of St. Lawrence Outside the Walls later on Wednesday. They will be involved in a series of events culminating in a papal audience in St. Peter's Square on February 6 for St. Pio prayer groups. The remains of St. Leopold are also coming to Rome. St. Pio is estimated to have confessed more than two million people, while St. Leopold spent a large part of his life in the confessional as well.