Pier Giorgio Frassati was born in Turin on April 6, 1901.
He is the son of Alfredo, founder and editor of the newspaper "La Stampa," and Adelaide Ametis, a woman of strong character and artistic temperament. He has a sister, Luciana, a year younger than him, an inseparable playmate and study companion. His family, upper-middle-class and liberal, with his father an agnostic and his mother a devout believer, taught Pier Giorgio the rudiments of a faith that unexpectedly matured within him and became the foundation of his life.

He attended the "Massimo d'Azeglio" public school and then, after failing Latin, the Jesuit "Istituto Sociale." Here he began receiving daily Communion, something he would do for the rest of his life, and joined the Conferences of St. Vincent. In 1918, he enrolled at the Polytechnic University of Turin: he wanted to become a mining engineer "to be able to serve Christ even more among the miners." He joined the "Cesare Balbo" club of the FUCI, which became a privileged place of Christian formation and friendship. He wore the badge of the Catholic Youth in his lapel, adopting its motto: Prayer, Action, Sacrifice .

His deep faith is nourished by daily Eucharist, prayer, and frequent confession. He is in love with the Word of God: in his time, it is reserved for consecrated persons, but he obtains the texts to read personally.
Trusting completely in the words of Jesus, he sees the presence of God in his neighbor, and considers himself "poor like all the poor" : he devotes himself to words and gestures of fraternal charity, both alone and in the organized form of the Conferences of Saint Vincent, on the streets of Turin, in the poor neighborhoods, at the Cottolengo.

During the heightened tensions of the First World War, he was involved in a social apostolate, which included his presence in factories. Convinced of the need for social reform, in 1920 he joined the Italian Popular Party, which he saw as a means to create a more just society.

In 1920, his father was appointed ambassador to Germany. In Berlin, Pier Giorgio visited the poorest neighborhoods and connected with young German Catholic student and worker circles. In September 1921, during a large Catholic Youth demonstration in Rome, he defended his club's flag from the assault of the royal guards and was arrested.

The writings of Saint Catherine of Siena and the fiery speeches of Savonarola prompted him to join the Third Dominican Order in 1922, taking the name "Fra Girolamo." He joined numerous ecclesiastical associations, where he poured out the many interests of his Christian life. Son of the editor of "La Stampa," he worked as a propagandist for Catholic newspapers.

Even before Mussolini's rise to power, he had been openly opposed to fascism. He was deeply disappointed by the entry of part of the Popular Party into the fascist government, against whom he had harsh words.

He's passionate about mountains and sports, a member of the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) and Giovane Montagna. He often organizes trips with friends (the "Shady Guys"), which become opportunities for apostolate. He goes to the theater, the opera, visits museums, loves painting and music, and knows entire passages of Dante by heart.

His capacity for caring for the needs of others was limitless , especially the poor and the sick, to whom he gave his time, energy, and life itself. Two months before graduation, his exuberant youth was cut short by fulminant polio, likely contracted while caring for the poor. He died in Turin on July 4, 1925. Two days later, the overflowing crowd at his funeral began to reveal to his family and the world the greatness of his Christian witness. Thus began the long journey that would lead to his beatification on May 20, 1990, by Saint John Paul II.

The canonization process of Pier Giorgio Frassati began on July 2, 1932 , seven years after his death, with the opening of the Ordinary Informative Process in Turin, which concluded in 1935 after the collection of testimonies. In 1935 , the documents were sent to the Sacred Congregation of Rites, and in 1938 the Decree on the writings was issued. However, after further investigation and supplementary processes, in 1945 Pope Pius XII decided "non expedire," blocking the cause.

After 35 years , thanks to the work of her sister Luciana Frassati, in 1977
Pope Paul VI allows the cause to be resumed, entrusted to Italian Catholic Action.
The Apostolic Process on his virtues took place in 1980-1981 , and in 1987 his heroic virtues were recognized. In 1989, a miracle attributed to his intercession was approved: the miraculous healing of Domenico Sellan from Pott's disease in the 1930s.

On May 20, 1990 , Pope John Paul II proclaimed him Blessed in St. Peter's Square. In 2010 , Silvia Correale was appointed the new postulator of the cause of canonization.

Finally, in 2023 , the diocesan instruction on a new miracle was deposited with the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, a fundamental step towards canonization.

Pier Giorgio Frassati had a deep connection with the mountains , which for him were not just a place of recreation, but an environment in which he found peace, contemplation, and closeness to God. From a young age, he practiced mountaineering with great passion, tackling challenging climbs in the Alps, often with friends from the Catholic Youth association and the FUCI (Italian Catholic University Federation).

For Pier Giorgio, the mountain represented a metaphor for Christian life : the effort of the climb, the determination to overcome difficulties and the beauty of the summit symbolized the spiritual journey towards God.

He loved to repeat the phrase “Upward,” which expressed his desire for spiritual and moral elevation.

Beyond the contemplative aspect, the mountains were also a place of brotherhood and sharing for him. During his hikes, he devoted himself altruistically to others, helping companions in difficulty and strengthening the bonds of friendship. The fatigue of climbing did not discourage him; on the contrary, it made him more courageous.
determined, pushing him to combine his love of nature with his deep faith.

His mountain experience also influenced his social commitment: the discipline and inner strength he developed through climbing were reflected in his service to the poor and his tireless charitable work.

This connection between mountains and spirituality made him a model of holiness, still inspiring many young people today to live their faith with enthusiasm and commitment.