: Critics argued that the church lacked traditional Christian symbols, such as a visible crucifix or typical altar placements, in favor of abstract designs.
While the Catholic Church officially recognizes the building as a sacred site of pilgrimage, the Chiesa viva feature remains a cornerstone of sedevacantist and ultra-traditionalist critiques of modern Church architecture. To these groups, the building remains a "temple" to the very forces Padre Pio famously spent his life battling in the confessional. Expand map Modern Controversy Historical Sites THE PAPACY: AN EXPOSE - Catholic Tradition Satanic Temple to P. Pio - Chiesa viva
: The magazine pointed to the use of triangles, specific floor patterns, and the "broken" cross as evidence of a hidden Masonic agenda. : Critics argued that the church lacked traditional
: Traditionalists often cite the violent storm and torrential rain that occurred during Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the church in 2009 as a "warning from Heaven" or a "punishment from God" against the "monstrosity" of the building. The Architectural Context Expand map Modern Controversy Historical Sites THE PAPACY:
The building in question is the in San Giovanni Rotondo: Architect : Renzo Piano , known for modernist designs.