What were the principal accusations against Padre Pio?
Peroni: From the time that Padre Pio conceived the idea for his hospital, the House for Relief of Suffering, he was criticized for his attitude towards women. With the realization of the project, that is from the 1950’s onwards, he was accused of the alleged misuse of funds. In fact, that charge was a cover-up for avarice in some parts of the hierarchy, when huge contributions in money and materials came pouring in for the hospital from all parts of the world. To the great sorrow of Padre Pio, during those years he was attacked for infractions against all three of his monastic vows: poverty, chastity and obedience. Why disobedience? Peroni: The most diverse and ridiculous pretexts were found: for example, the length of the Masses celebrated by Padre Pio. We all know to what extent Padre Pio focused his spiritual attention on celebration of the Mass. At one point he was cautioned to “follow the common usage of good priests,” that is, not to exceed 30-35 minutes. In 1920, Padre Pio had h
