Catholic Medical Quarterly

The Journal of the Catholic Medical Association (UK)

Building knowledge. Building faith. Protecting the vulnerable.

Catholic Medical Quarterly Volume 62(4) November 2012

Editorial.
A letter from Padre Pio to Pope Paul VI.

In this issue we decided to reflect upon 45 years of Humanae Vitae.

While Humanae Vitae earned Pope Paul VI the enmity of the world including, sadly, some Catholics, he also received the approval of saints. Blessed Mother Teresa and Blessed John Paul II both gave huge support to Humanae Vitae. St Padre Pio also noted the importance of Humanae Vitae.

The technology and understanding of fertility and natural Family Planning has progressed hugely and the demographic effects of abortion and contraception have become much clearer. But the Church has not had an easy time of it. Much has happened since 1967.

We decided to publish the last letter that Padre Pio ever wrote — shortly before his own death on 23 September 1968 —and it was to the Pope. We thought that a letter form a Saint might be the best way to start this issue of our journal. The Editor.

September 12, 1968

Your Holiness,

… I know that your heart is suffering much these days … for the lack of obedience of some, even Catholics, to the high teaching that you, assisted by the Holy Spirit and in the name of God, are giving us. I offer you my prayers and daily sufferings as a small but sincere contribution on the part of the least of your sons in order that God may give you comfort with his Grace to follow the straight and painful way in the defense of eternal truth, which never changes with the passing of the years. Also, in the name of my spiritual children and the Prayer Groups, I thank you for your clear and decisive words that you especially pronounced in the last encyclical "Humanae Vitae"; and I reaffirm my faith, my unconditional obedience to your illuminated directions.

Padre Pio PhotoMay God grant victory to the truth, peace to his Church, tranquility to the world, health and prosperity to your Holiness so that, once these fleeting doubts are dissipated, the Kingdom of God may triumph in all hearts, guided by your apostolic work as Supreme Pastor of all Christianity.

Humbly yours,

Padre Pio, Capuchin
San Giovanni Rotondo