In a historic and somber turn of events, the Vatican has officially suspended the canonization ceremony of Carlo Acutis—the millennial set to become the Catholic Church’s first saint of the digital age—following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88.
The ceremony, initially scheduled for April 27 at St. Peter’s Square, was widely anticipated by millions of Catholics around the world, especially young believers who regard Acutis as a modern-day role model of faith. The Vatican made the announcement on Monday through an official statement, citing the need for ecclesiastical protocol and mourning following the Pope’s passing.
Carlo Acutis was born in London on May 3, 1991, to Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano. Raised in Milan, Italy, his early life was marked by an extraordinary devotion to Catholicism and a fascination with computer technology—traits that would later define his spiritual legacy.
By age seven, Carlo was already attending daily Mass and nurturing a profound devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary. He once said, “The Virgin Mary is the only woman in my life.” He also referred to his daily communion as the “highway to heaven.”
Acutis’ use of technology for evangelism remains his most remarkable contribution to the Church. He built a website that documented Eucharistic miracles from around the world, helping to bring Catholic teachings to the forefront of the digital age. He believed the internet could be a powerful tool for spreading faith and truth, a view embraced by many young Catholics today.
Carlo passed away in 2006 at just 15 years old due to leukemia, but his influence continued to grow. In October 2020, Pope Francis beatified him after the recognition of his first miracle—linked to the healing of a Brazilian boy with a rare pancreatic disease. The beatification, held in Assisi, marked him as “Blessed Carlo Acutis.”
Earlier this year, Pope Francis recognized a second miracle attributed to Carlo’s intercession, thereby fulfilling the final requirement for canonization in the Roman Catholic Church. His elevation to sainthood was viewed not only as a spiritual milestone but also as a cultural touchstone for a new generation of believers navigating faith in a digital world.
The passing of Pope Francis, who had championed youth inclusion in the Church and praised Acutis as a “witness to the younger generation,” has created a leadership vacuum and halted many scheduled Church activities—including canonizations.
According to Vatican tradition, all major ceremonial activities are put on hold following a pope’s death, pending the election of a new Pontiff through a papal conclave. The College of Cardinals will now convene to elect a successor, a process that could take several weeks.
This delay in Acutis’ canonization has been met with understanding and solemnity by the Catholic faithful. “We believe the Holy Spirit is guiding the Church through this moment,” said Monsignor Riccardo Lanza of Milan. “Carlo’s sainthood is not just postponed—it’s preserved for the right moment.”
Carlo Acutis represents a unique bridge between centuries-old Catholic tradition and the realities of contemporary life. As a self-taught coder and devout Catholic, he inspired countless youth around the world to embrace faith through technology.
His digital legacy—especially his website on Eucharistic miracles—continues to attract millions of visitors, proving that holiness can thrive in cyberspace. His story is especially resonant among young people who face challenges reconciling spiritual beliefs with modern lifestyles.
“Carlo showed us that sanctity is possible even in jeans and sneakers,” said Antonia Salzano, his mother. “He lived like every other teenager, but with an extraordinary love for God.”
The Vatican has not announced a new date for Carlo’s canonization. However, experts believe that once a new pope is elected, the process will resume—likely under renewed global attention.
Canonization ceremonies are often attended by thousands and even broadcast globally. Given Carlo’s widespread appeal, his sainthood is expected to draw one of the largest audiences in recent Church history.
Until then, Catholics around the world continue to honor him as an unofficial saint and spiritual guide for the digital age.
The suspension of Carlo Acutis’ canonization following the death of Pope Francis underscores the deep traditions and protocols of the Catholic Church. But more than that, it reinforces the belief that sainthood transcends ceremony. Carlo’s legacy lives on—in code, in prayer, and in the hearts of a generation searching for light in the digital era.