Based on Renzo Piano's design, the body of Blessed Padre Pio of Pietrelcina will be moved from its current resting place in the church to a magnificent Crypt in the basement area just below the Liturgical Hall.

This crypt is one of the most impressive features of the entire complex. Situated in its traditional location, directly underneath the floor of the presbytery, it will directly connect to this part of the church via a ramp. The Crypt is semi-circular in shape, has an approx. 550 square metre area and can seat 500 pilgrims.
The radial pattern of conical vaults designed for its ceiling is intended to heighten the spiritual character of this structure, which has its focal point in the tomb of Blessed Padre Pio. The saint's function as a spiritual pillar of faith is echoed by a monumental circular pillar placed in the middle of the crypt. The pillar is over 4 metres in diameter and took 74 hours of non-stop work to install. An innovative cement mix was purposely designed to prevent high temperatures (which could damage the foundation structure) in the hardening and setting stages.