Carlo Acutis’ upcoming canonization marks a profound milestone for the Catholic Church—he will officially become the first Millennial saint on September 7, under the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. His sainthood was originally planned for April 27, but was postponed due to the death of Pope Francis on April 21.
Born in London in 1991 and raised in Milan, Acutis was a devout young Catholic with a deep compassion for the poor and a passion for technology. He earned the nickname “God’s influencer” for his work cataloguing Eucharistic miracles online. His short but impactful life ended in 2006 when he died of leukaemia at the age of 15.
Two officially recognized miracles have paved the way for his canonization:
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Healing of Matheus Vianna, a Brazilian toddler suffering from a congenital disorder, after being blessed with a relic of Acutis.
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Recovery of Valeria Valverde, a Costa Rican woman who miraculously healed from a brain hemorrhage after her mother prayed at Acutis’ tomb.
He is interred and preserved at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Assisi, Italy.
Acutis will be canonized alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Italian man known for his service to the poor, who died of polio at 24.
This canonization not only reflects Carlo Acutis’ sanctity but also symbolizes the growing integration of modern life and faith, particularly for younger generations.
