In an shocking move, the Catholic Church is set to canonize its first millennial saint, bridging the gap between ancient traditions and the digital age. Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager who passed away from leukemia in 2006 at just 15 years old, has been approved for sainthood by Pope Francis and a council of cardinals.
This decision marks a significant moment in Catholic history, as Acutis will become the youngest contemporary individual to be elevated to sainthood.
Born in London in 1991, Acutis was a millennial known for his love of video games such as Halo, Super Mario, and Pokémon. However, what set him apart from his peers was his admirable ability to merge his passion for technology with his deep devotion to his Catholic faith.
God’s Influencer
Dubbed “God’s influencer,” Acutis utilized his computer skills to create a website documenting reported miracles worldwide, effectively evangelizing through digital technology. His cause became popular due to a growing global following, particularly among young Catholics who find his relatable image inspiring.
The Catholic Church sees Acutis as a powerful symbol of modern holiness, potentially helping to reconnect with younger generations in an increasingly digital world.
Pope Francis back in 2020, remarked,
“Yesterday in Assisi, Carlo Acutis, a fifteen-year-old boy in love with the Eucharist, was beatified. He did not settle into comfortable inaction, but grasped the needs of his time because in the weakest he saw the face of Christ”
The Miracles
The canonization process typically requires two verified miracles attributed to the candidate’s intercession. In Acutis’ case, the first miracle involved the healing of a Brazilian boy named Mattheus with a rare pancreatic condition (annular pancreas). The second, recently recognized by Pope Francis, concerned a Costa Rican girl who recovered from severe head trauma after her mother prayed at Acutis’ tomb in Assisi, Italy.
Beyond his digital evangelism, Acutis led a life of compassion and self-discipline. His mother, Antonia Salzano, recounts how he limited his gaming to one hour per week, recognizing the potential for addiction.
Helping the Needy
From the age of nine, he dedicated time to helping Milan’s homeless population, often donating his pocket money and insisting on owning only one pair of shoes to save money for the poor.
According to a brief report by Cardinal Marcelo Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of the Saints, Acutis was,
“Welcoming and caring towards the poorest, and he helped the homeless, the needy, and immigrants with the money he saved from his weekly allowance.”
Acutis’ interests were diverse: he played the saxophone, enjoyed soccer, loved animals, and created humorous short films featuring his dogs. This multifaceted personality has endeared him to many.
The final step in Acutis’ path to sainthood was completed on Monday, July 1, 2024, when the Vatican announced the pope’s decree for canonization, along with 14 others.
Once canonized, Acutis will be officially declared a saint, allowing the global Catholic Church to name parishes and schools after him and commemorate him annually on a designated feast day.
