In a historic ceremony, Pope Leo XIV declared Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian boy who died in 2006, as the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint.
Acutis, known as “God’s influencer,” was canonized alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, another young Catholic activist who died a century ago. The ceremony, held in St. Peter’s Square, was attended by thousands of pilgrims, including many young Italians.
During the Mass, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of dedicating one’s life to God, saying, “The greatest risk in life is to waste it outside of God’s plan.”
He added that the new saints “are an invitation to all of us, especially young people, not to squander our lives, but to direct them upwards and make them masterpieces.”
Acutis’s path to sainthood was marked by his remarkable devotion to the Catholic faith, even from a young age.
Born in London to a wealthy but not particularly observant Catholic family, Acutis moved to Milan with his family and developed a strong interest in computer science.
He used his coding skills to create websites for Catholic organizations, including one that listed miracles, earning him his nickname “God’s influencer.”
Acutis’s life was cut short when he fell ill with acute leukemia in 2006. Despite his short life, he left a lasting impact on the Catholic community.
His mother, Antonia Salzano, described him as a child who “could not be indifferent to sorrow” and was deeply devoted to his faith. She recalled how he would help the poor and vulnerable, often bringing them food and blankets.
The movement that built up around Acutis after his death was remarkable, with many people praying to him for cures. His funeral was attended by a host of people he had helped, including immigrants and bullied children.
The Vatican credited Acutis with two miracles, including the recovery of a boy in Brazil from a rare congenital disease and the healing of a student in Florence with bleeding on the brain.
The speed at which Acutis was canonized, especially compared to Frassati, highlights the Catholic Church’s efforts to attract more young people.
Pope Francis, who passed away in April, had fervently pushed Acutis’s sainthood case forward, believing that the church needed someone like him to address the promises and perils of the digital age.
Acutis’s canonization is seen as a significant moment for the Catholic Church, particularly in its efforts to engage with younger generations.
His legacy as “God’s influencer” serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the potential for technology to be used for good and spreading the Catholic faith.
Acutis’s impact on the Catholic community is evident in the many people who have been inspired by his life and legacy. His mother, Antonia Salzano, has traveled the world, sharing her son’s story and spreading the Catholic faith.
The devotion to Acutis has been remarkable, with over 1 million people visiting the town of Assisi, where his body is laid to rest, in the past year.
As the Catholic Church looks to the future, Acutis’s canonization serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, technology, and service to others.
His legacy will continue to inspire many, particularly young people, to live their lives according to God’s plan and to use their talents to make a positive impact on the world.