The body of Padre Pio will go on permanent display next month in Italy.

His body, which is covered with a layer of silicone, will be displayed in a Puglian church, where the saint lived during his final years.

The monk, who claimed he suffered from stigmata, will go on permanent display from June 1st.

Born near Naples in 1887, Padre Pio is Italy's most venerated saint after St Francis of Assisi.

He was canonised by late pope John Paul II in 2002, 34 years after his death in 1968.

The permanent display is open from June 1.