A friar passes next to a huge placard of Capuchin Friars with a portrait of Saint Padre Pio to " welcome PILGRIMS " in San Giovanni Rotondo on 23 April 2008 . All Italy will be watching the southern town on Thursday when the body of stigmata - bearing Italian Saint Padre Pio goes on show to the public . Italian state broadcaster RAI ' s first channel , Raiuno , will show events live across the country as the saint ' s body is displayed for pilgrims to see and venerate for the first time since he died 40 years ago . Coaches of the faithful are already arriving in the small hill - top town in anticipation of tomorrow ' s service , which will be attended by an estimated 50 , 000 people . The saint ' s massive worldwide following is said to include many famous names , including Sophia Loren , the late writer Graham Greene , Republic of Ireland football player Damien Duff ( who reportedly played with a relic of the saint in one of his boots ) and Carlo Ancelotti , the coach of AC Milan . EPA / ALESSANDRO DI MEO < 저작권자 ⓒ 2007 연 합 뉴 스 . 무단 전재 - 재 배포 금지 . >