Carlo Acutis, a tech-savvy and deeply faithful teenager, is set to become the first Millennial to be canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church. Originally scheduled for April under the late Pope Francis, his canonization was delayed following the Pope’s unexpected death on April 21. The newly elected Pope Leo XIV has now confirmed the ceremony will take place on September 7, alongside seven others, including fellow youth figure Pier Giorgio Frassati.
Born in London to Italian parents and raised in Milan, Acutis was recognized early in life for his spiritual maturity and compassion. He received his First Communion at just seven years old and consistently demonstrated selfless acts of charity, including donating to the poor and preparing meals for the homeless. His daily life reflected a profound connection to his Catholic faith.
In addition to his devotion, Acutis had a passion for technology, which he used to spread religious teachings. He built websites and digital resources to promote Eucharistic miracles and other aspects of Catholic doctrine. This earned him the affectionate title “God’s influencer” among his peers and followers worldwide.
Tragically, Acutis died in 2006 at the age of 15 from leukemia. However, his legacy continued to inspire millions, and two miracles attributed to his intercession were later recognized by the Vatican. These miracles became essential milestones in the canonization process.
The first confirmed miracle involved Matheus Vianna, a Brazilian toddler born with a rare congenital disorder. After a priest touched the child with a relic—an item of Acutis’ clothing—the boy reportedly experienced a complete and unexplainable recovery.
The second miracle centered on Valeria Valverde from Costa Rica, who had suffered a severe brain hemorrhage. Following her mother’s prayers at Acutis’ burial site, Valeria made a rapid and unexpected recovery. Doctors later confirmed the hemorrhage had disappeared without medical explanation.
Carlo Acutis’ body lies in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Assisi, Italy, where he has drawn pilgrims for nearly two decades. His upcoming canonization signals not only his personal sanctity but also a shift in the Church’s embrace of modern youth and technology in spiritual life.
