On September 7, 2025, Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian teenager who died in 2006, will be canonized as the first millennial saint by Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City. Known as “God’s Influencer,” Acutis has captured the hearts of millions of young Catholics worldwide, blending technology with faith in a way that resonates with today’s digital generation. His canonization, the first of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church, offering a relatable role model for youth.
Key Points:
- Canonization Date: Acutis will be declared a saint on September 7, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square.
- Global Following: Millions visit his tomb in Assisi, with a webcam providing 24/7 access to devotees.
- Vatican’s Strategy: A deliberate push to inspire young Catholics with a modern, tech-savvy saint.
Who Was Carlo Acutis?
Born on May 3, 1991, in London to a wealthy Italian family, Acutis grew up in Milan with a passion for computer programming and Catholic faith. Despite his privileged background, he lived simply, attending daily Mass, volunteering at soup kitchens, and helping the homeless. His tech skills shone through in creating a multilingual website cataloging 196 Eucharistic miracles, a project that gained global reach and earned him the nickname “God’s Influencer.” Tragically, Acutis died of leukemia in October 2006 at age 15.
Key Points:
- Early Devotion: Acutis attended Mass daily from age 7 and practiced Eucharistic adoration.
- Tech Legacy: His website on Eucharistic miracles is available in nearly 20 languages.
- Relatable Life: A typical teen who loved soccer, video games, and animals, yet lived with profound faith.
The Path to Sainthood: Miracles and Milestones
The Catholic Church’s canonization process requires two verified miracles. Acutis was beatified in 2020 after the first miracle, and Pope Francis approved a second miracle in 2024, fast-tracking his sainthood. His rapid canonization—within 19 years of his death—is rare, reflecting the Vatican’s urgency to promote a modern saint. His tomb in Assisi, displaying his body in jeans and sneakers, has become a pilgrimage site, drawing millions annually.
Key Points:
- First Miracle: Attributed to Acutis’ intercession, leading to his beatification in 2020.
- Second Miracle: Approved in 2024, paving the way for canonization.
- Pilgrimage Hub: His glass tomb in Assisi attracts young Catholics globally, with relics touring worldwide.
Why Carlo Acutis Resonates with Millennials
Acutis’ story strikes a chord with young people due to his ordinary yet extraordinary life. He balanced typical teenage interests—playing soccer, gaming, and coding—with deep spirituality. His limited gaming time (one hour weekly) and focus on human connections over consumerism offer a counterpoint to today’s digital distractions. The Vatican’s campaign, supported by his mother, Antonia Salzano, positions him as a “saint next door,” inspiring youth to see holiness as achievable.
Key Points:
- Relatable Role Model: Acutis’ tech-savvy faith connects with digitally native millennials.
- Vatican’s Push: A strategic effort to counter declining religious engagement among youth.
- Global Appeal: His story inspires comic books, school activities, and social media buzz.
The Role of Technology in His Legacy
Acutis used his self-taught programming skills to spread Catholic teachings, creating websites for his parish and a Vatican academy. His Eucharistic miracles site remains a testament to his mission, blending faith with technology. Pope Leo XIV, like his predecessor Pope Francis, sees Acutis as a model for navigating the digital age’s challenges, including artificial intelligence, while promoting values of faith and service.
Key Points:
- Digital Disciple: Acutis’ websites made faith accessible in nearly 20 languages.
- Tech-Savvy Faith: He used technology to spread the Gospel, not consumerism.
- Vatican’s Vision: Acutis addresses the need for modern saints in a tech-driven world.
Inspiring Quotes from Carlo Acutis
Acutis’ words continue to inspire:
- “To always be close to Jesus, that’s my life plan.”
- “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.”
- “All people are born as originals, but many die as photocopies.”
Key Points:
- Motivational Wisdom: His quotes encourage authenticity and devotion.
- Social Media Impact: Widely shared, boosting his influence among young Catholics.
