VATICAN CITY — In a historic move for the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV announced Friday that Carlo Acutis—a devout Italian teenager known as “God’s influencer”—will be officially declared a saint on September 7, making him the first millennial saint in Church history.
A Saint for the Digital Age
Carlo, who died of leukemia in 2006 at just 15 years old, was a tech-savvy teen with an extraordinary spiritual legacy. Born in London and raised in Italy, he:
- Created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles
- Attended Mass daily while maintaining typical teenage interests
- Inspired millions with his kindness and devotion
His canonization, initially set for April 27, was postponed following the death of Pope Francis.
Miracles & Rapid Path to Sainthood
Carlo’s journey to sainthood has been remarkably swift—just 19 years after his death, compared to the historical average of 262 years. Two miracles attributed to his intercession paved the way:
- A 4-year-old Brazilian boy’s pancreas healed
- A 21-year-old student recovered from severe head trauma after a cycling accident
Since his 2020 beatification, his tomb in Assisi has drawn thousands of young pilgrims, many his own age.
Why Carlo Resonates with Modern Catholics
- “A sign of goodness in a world filled with bad news” — Fr. Anthony Figueirida, his biographer
- “Gives hope to younger generations” — Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi
- Represents faith in the internet era, bridging spirituality and technology
A Joint Canonization
Pope Leo also announced the sainthood of Pier Giorgio Frassati, a 24-year-old Italian activist who died in 1925. Cardinal Marcello Semeraro called Frassati a “wonderful model of Christian life.”
What’s Next?
The September ceremony will be a landmark event during the Church’s 2025 Holy Year, drawing global attention as Carlo becomes a patron for digital-native believers.
“A saint for the smartphones generation,” observers say—proof that holiness transcends time.