VATICAN CITY — In a historic and heartwarming ceremony, Pope Leo XIV recently declared Carlo Acutis the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint. The event, held during an open-air Mass in St. Peter’s Square, attracted around 80,000 attendees, many of whom were young families. This canonization is seen as a pivotal moment, especially for millennials, offering them a relatable role model in the form of Acutis, affectionately known as “God’s influencer” for his ability to use technology to spread the faith.
What Happened
During the Mass, which took place on [date], Pope Leo XIV also recognized Pier Giorgio Frassati, another young Italian, for his deep devotion to God. In his homily, the Pope emphasized how both individuals had transformed their lives into “masterpieces” by devoting themselves entirely to God. He called on everyone, especially the youth, to live their lives intentionally and for a greater purpose.
Who Was Carlo Acutis?
Born on May 3, 1991, in London to a wealthy but not overly religious family, Acutis showed an early interest in both faith and technology. His family moved to Milan shortly after his birth, and he was known for his happy childhood and growing passion for religion. A remarkable achievement during his short life was the creation of a multilingual website documenting Eucharistic miracles, an impressive feat for someone so young, especially during the early days of the internet.
Acutis was also known for his devotion to daily prayers before the Eucharist, embodying a deep, unwavering faith. He restricted his gaming to just one hour per week, preferring real-life connections over virtual ones. His disciplined approach to life, balancing faith and technology, resonates today, especially as the world grapples with the challenges of a tech-driven society.
In October 2006, Acutis tragically passed away at just 15 years old from leukemia. His passing was a shock to many, but his memory continues to inspire, particularly among young Catholics. He was laid to rest in Assisi, a city closely tied to Saint Francis, where millions now visit to pay their respects.
A Growing Legacy
Since Acutis’ death, millions of young people have made pilgrimages to Assisi to visit his tomb, where he rests in his casual attire—jeans and sneakers. His remains have also been displayed as relics around the world, sparking interest in his preservation. The canonization ceremony was delayed earlier this year after the death of Pope Francis, who believed that someone like Acutis could help bring young people back to the Church in today’s rapidly evolving digital age.
For students like Leo Kowalsky, an 8th grader at a Chicago parish named after Acutis, having a saint like him to look up to is inspiring. Kowalsky expressed how he strives to follow Acutis’ example of determination and commitment to faith.
The Vatican has carefully introduced Acutis as a “saint next door,” someone who led an ordinary life but achieved extraordinary things. This relatable portrayal has resonated deeply with millennials, who are often seen as the first generation to grow up in the digital age.
Faith in the Digital Era
Before the Mass, St. Peter’s Square was filled with young pilgrims and families, many of whom spoke about how Acutis’ joyful spirit and modern-day approach made him an ideal role model. They expressed appreciation for the way he balanced technology with spirituality, showing that traditional values could thrive even in the modern, digital world.
Religious scholars have noted that Acutis’ canonization represents a continuation of the Church’s tradition of popular piety, proving that timeless values can flourish even amidst the complexities of modern life. In a world overwhelmed with distractions, Acutis remains a simple yet profound example of how to navigate the digital world while maintaining a strong spiritual foundation.
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