The bilocation of St. Pio is one of the most famous recorded cases of this phenomenon. Saint Pio’s bilocation was especially noted for the Odor of Sanctity, the characteristic odor that was observed whenever his name was called out to intercede, as observed in instances when an authentic bilocation has occurred. The odors commonly associated with Saint Pio were those of tobacco and roses, as well as the strong, tangy smell of his fresh wounds.
One of the most famous incidents concerning the priest’s ability to transport himself from one place to another occurred during World War II, when Italian town of San Giovanni Rotondo was about to be attacked by American bombers. While the Americans were preparing to bomb the target, a figure clad in a brown robe appeared in front of their plane, and the city was spared. One of the American pilots later recognized the father afterwards during a visit to the friary.
More detailed accounts are provided by Padre Carmelo Durante, who was able to witness multiple bilocations by Padre Pio along with several others from Father Pio’s prayer group. Padre Durante recorded incidents when he and others waited for the presence of the father while the father was somewhere miles away, and the reactions of the others with him when they sensed that the father was with them in the room. He also took note of conversations when Father Pio himself stated that he was able to travel to places such as New York, a tiny a church near the Amendola airport, and the Holy Land while remaining at the friary the whole time.