Business · Economy · 7 hrs ago
Fewer pilgrims visit San Giovanni Rotondo as other sites draw crowds
San Giovanni Rotondo in Italy is losing pilgrims after years of benefiting from the popularity of Padre Pio.
The town built its reputation as a destination for people visiting the saint.
Visitors are now choosing other pilgrimage sites, including Assisi, associated with Saint Francis.
Many are also queuing to visit Carlo Acutis, a young saint known for his connection to the internet.
The shift is putting local jobs at risk, with layoffs feared as visitors fall.
Pilgrimages are big business in Italy, so fewer visitors could affect the town’s economy.
The account gives no figures or details about planned job cuts.
San Giovanni Rotondo is losing visitors as pilgrims choose other religious sites.
The Italian town benefited for years from the popularity of Padre Pio.
Pilgrims are instead going to Assisi for Francis and queuing to see Carlo Acutis.
The decline in visitors is raising the threat of job losses.
- Who
- Pilgrims are visiting San Giovanni Rotondo less often and choosing other religious sites.
- What
- Visitor numbers in the town have fallen, with job losses threatened.
- When
- The article was published on October 20, 2026; it does not state when the decline began.
- Where
- San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; pilgrims are also going to Assisi.
- Why
- The article says pilgrims prefer other sites, including those associated with Francis and Carlo Acutis.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Town
- San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
- Former draw
- Padre Pio
- Alternative destination
- Assisi, associated with Francis
- Other popular figure
- Carlo Acutis
- Publication date
- October 20, 2026
- Consequence
- Job losses are threatened