In a historic event held in Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV canonized Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old computer whiz, as the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. This momentous declaration took place during an open-air Mass in St. Peter’s Square, attended by approximately 80,000 people, including many millennials and families with young children. Acutis, who tragically passed away in 2006, has now become a relatable role model for the next generation of Catholics, earning the affectionate title of “God’s Influencer.”
During the inaugural saint-making Mass of his papacy, Pope Leo XIV also canonized Pier Giorgio Frassati, another popular Italian figure who died at a young age. In his homily, the Pope emphasized that both Acutis and Frassati created “masterpieces” by dedicating their lives to God. “The greatest risk in life is to waste it outside of God’s plan,” he remarked, encouraging young people to transform their lives into masterpieces dedicated to a higher purpose.
Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London to a wealthy but not particularly observant Catholic family. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Milan, where Carlo enjoyed a happy childhood increasingly marked by deep religious devotion. A prodigy in computer science, Acutis voraciously consumed college-level programming books at a young age, which contributed to his legacy as “God’s Influencer.” His most notable achievement was a multilingual website that documented Eucharistic miracles recognized by the Church, showcasing his commitment to using technology for spreading the faith.
Acutis was known for his daily hours of prayer before the Eucharist, reflecting the Catholic Church's efforts to promote Eucharistic adoration. This practice has become increasingly vital, as many Catholics struggle to believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharistic hosts. Interestingly, Acutis limited himself to just one hour of video games per week, highlighting his belief in prioritizing human relationships over virtual ones—a viewpoint that resonates with the Church’s concerns regarding the tech-driven society of today.
In October 2006, at the young age of 15, Acutis was diagnosed with acute leukemia and sadly passed away within days. He was laid to rest in Assisi, a city renowned for its association with St. Francis. Since his death, millions of young Catholics have made pilgrimages to Assisi, where they can view his glass-sided tomb, dressed casually in jeans and Nike sneakers, which gives the impression that he is merely sleeping. The preservation of his body has sparked intrigue, particularly as parts of his heart have toured the world as relics.
Although the canonization ceremonies had initially been scheduled for earlier in the year, they were postponed following the death of Pope Francis in April. Pope Francis had strongly advocated for Acutis’ sainthood, believing that the Church needed a figure like him to attract young Catholics and engage with the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age. “It’s like I can maybe not be as great as Carlo may be, but I can be looking after him and be like, ‘What would Carlo do?’” shared Leo Kowalsky, an 8th grader from a Chicago school affiliated with the Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish.
Acutis’ popularity stems from a concerted effort by the Vatican to present a “saint next door” who embodies ordinary yet extraordinary qualities. As a tech-savvy millennial, Acutis resonates with a generation that is often described as those born between 1981 and 1996, marking the first cohort to reach adulthood in the new millennium. The Mass was celebrated by Pope Leo XIV alongside 36 cardinals, 270 bishops, and hundreds of priests, underscoring the immense appeal of the new saints.
As crowds filled St. Peter’s Square, many young millennial Italians, including families with toddlers, gathered to witness the historic ceremony. “I learned from different people what his professors, his teachers said about his joy and the light he carried around him,” remarked Leopoldo Antimi, a 27-year-old Roman. “So for me personally as an Italian, even on social networks that are used so much, it is important to have him as an influencer.”
Matthew Schmalz, a professor of religious studies at Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts, noted that Acutis' canonization extends the church tradition of popular piety into the digital era. “He becomes an emblem or model of how Catholics should approach and use the digital world—with discipline and with a focus on traditional Catholic spirituality that defies the passage of time,” he stated. Acutis serves as a new saint of simplicity in the ever-complex digital landscape of contemporary Catholicism.
Pier Giorgio Frassati, the other saint canonized during the ceremony, lived from 1901 to 1925 and passed away at the young age of 24 due to polio. Born into a prominent family in Turin, Frassati is celebrated for his commitment to serving the poor and performing acts of charity while sharing his faith with friends. His canonization alongside Carlo Acutis further emphasizes the Church’s dedication to honoring young individuals who lead lives of faith and service.
