The Catholic Church will officially canonize Carlo Acutis, recognized as its first millennial saint, on September 7, as announced by Pope Leo XIV. Acutis, an Italian teenager who passed away from leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15, will be recognized in a grand ceremony at St. Peter’s Square which is expected to draw thousands of young attendees.
Acutis, often referred to as “God’s influencer,” utilized his computing talents during his short life to promote the Catholic faith. He created a website documenting reports of miracles, appealing to a modern audience. Alongside Acutis, the ceremony will also honor Pier Giorgio Frassatti, another young saint who died at 24 in 1925.
The canonization had initially been scheduled for April 27 but was postponed following the death of Pope Francis. This will mark the first canonization ceremony led by Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope.
In recent years, surveys in both the United States and the United Kingdom have shown an increasing interest in Catholicism among Generation Z, a trend that Acutis embodies. His casual style, often depicted in jeans and trainers, along with his love for video games, resonates with younger generations.
The path to sainthood requires candidates to have two recognized miracles, a process that involves comprehensive investigation. In May, Pope Francis confirmed the second miracle attributed to Acutis, leading to his impending canonization. The first miracle involved the healing of a Brazilian boy with a birth defect after his mother prayed to Acutis. The second miracle concerned a girl from Costa Rica who recovered from a head injury, with her mother having prayed at Acutis’ tomb in Assisi.
Acutis’ mother, Antonia Salzano, shared how her son dedicated time to helping the homeless in Milan, frequently donating his pocket money to those in need, showcasing his spirit of compassion and service to others.
This celebration of Acutis’ life and contributions is a hopeful reminder of the positive impact young individuals can have on their communities and beyond, inspiring a renewed faith among the youth.