In a historic ceremony held on Sunday in Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV canonized Carlo Acutis, a remarkable 15-year-old computer prodigy, making him the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint. This significant event took place during an open-air Mass in St. Peter’s Square, attended by an estimated 80,000 people, including many millennials and families with young children, eager to witness the canonization of a relatable role model who utilized technology to promote the faith.
During this first saint-making Mass of his papacy, Pope Leo XIV also canonized Pier Giorgio Frassati, another young Italian who passed away at a tender age. In his homily, Pope Leo emphasized that both young men crafted "masterpieces" out of their lives by dedicating themselves to God. He remarked, "The greatest risk in life is to waste it outside of God’s plan,” encouraging the youth to use their lives to create something magnificent.
Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London to a wealthy, albeit not particularly devout, Catholic family. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Milan, where Carlo enjoyed a typical childhood filled with happiness and an increasing commitment to his faith. His profound interest in computer science led him to consume advanced programming books at a young age. Acutis earned the affectionate title of “God’s Influencer” for his creation of a multilingual website documenting Eucharistic miracles, a project he undertook when such endeavors were typically reserved for professionals.
Despite his technological prowess, Acutis practiced discipline, limiting himself to just an hour of video games each week. He believed that authentic human relationships held greater significance than virtual interactions, a philosophy that resonates deeply with today's technology-driven society.
Tragically, Carlo Acutis succumbed to acute leukemia in October 2006, just days after falling ill. He was laid to rest in Assisi, a city renowned for its connection to St. Francis. Since his passing, millions of young Catholics have traveled to Assisi, drawn to his tomb, which features a glass enclosure displaying his youthful figure in casual attire. The remarkable preservation of his body has sparked curiosity, particularly as parts of his heart have toured the globe as revered relics.
Pope Francis, who passed away in April, had fervently advocated for Acutis’ sainthood, believing that his story could inspire young Catholics to engage with their faith in the digital age. Many young people, including Leo Kowalsky, an 8th grader from Chicago, expressed their excitement about having a relatable saint to look up to. Kowalsky highlighted his enthusiasm for the canonization by Pope Leo, sharing, “It’s kind of all mashed up into one thing, so it is a joy to be a part of.”
The Vatican has launched a concerted effort to present Acutis as a "saint next door," embodying the essence of a relatable, tech-savvy millennial. This initiative aims to draw in younger generations who might feel disconnected from traditional religious figures. The canonization ceremony attracted a substantial turnout, with 36 cardinals, 270 bishops, and hundreds of priests participating alongside Pope Leo, underscoring the saints' widespread appeal.
As young Italians filled St. Peter’s Square, many echoed sentiments about Acutis' joyful spirit and the light he brought into the lives of those around him. Matthew Schmalz, a professor of religious studies at Holy Cross College, remarked that Acutis' canonization represents a bridge between popular piety and the digital landscape, offering a model for how Catholics can engage with technology while remaining rooted in traditional spirituality.
In addition to Acutis, Pier Giorgio Frassati's legacy of charity and service to the poor continues to inspire many, emphasizing the importance of faith in action among the youth of today.
