Pio Dellepiane

The priestly ministry of Father Pio Dellepiane took place primarily between Rimini and Rome. In 1931, he was appointed master of novices in Rimini at the sanctuary of Sant'Antonio di Padova, dedicating himself to confession and spiritual direction. In 1933, he became vice-pastor at the Basilica of Sant'Andrea delle Fratte in Rome, where he devoted himself to the poor and the sick, notably during the bombing of the San Lorenzo district in July 1943. In 1946, his meeting with Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina marked a turning point. A deep friendship developed; the Capuchin affectionately called him "Padre Pio delle vette" (Father Pio of the summits) and sent him many penitents. Father Dellepiane became involved in the Prayer Groups of Padre Pio and promoted the consecration of families. He attended the final moments of Padre Pio in September 1968. From 1948 to 1970, he alternated his ministries between Rimini, Montefiore Conca, and Massa Lubrense. In Rimini, he begged for funds to rebuild the church and convent destroyed by the war. In 1972, inspired by Our Lady of Fátima and encouraged by Padre Pio, he collaborated actively with Father Andrea D'Ascanio in the founding of the Armata Bianca (the White Army), a movement encouraging children to pray the rosary for peace.

Following a progressive decline in his health that began in January 1974, Father Pio Dellepiane passed away on December 12, 1976, in Rome, at his sister's home. Initially buried in the Verano cemetery, his remains were later transferred to the Basilica of Sant'Andrea delle Fratte in Rome. His reputation for holiness, nourished by his gifts of discernment of hearts and his unconditional charity, led the Order of Minims to introduce his cause. The diocesan inquiry into his life and virtues took place at the Vicariate of Rome from 1995 to 1999.

On May 19, 2018, Pope Francis authorized the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to promulgate the decree recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues, thereby conferring upon him the title of Venerable. His cause for beatification is currently underway, awaiting the official recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession by the Holy See.

The spirituality of the Venerable Pio Dellepiane is rooted in the charism of penance and humility of the Order of Minims. His life was marked by constant self-denial for the benefit of the most destitute. His major legacy remains the Armata Bianca movement, founded on the conviction that pure prayer and the Marian consecration of children can preserve the world from tragedies.