Pope Leo XIV declared Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old at the time of his death, the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint during a large-scale Mass in St. Peter’s Square. The ceremony drew an estimated 80,000 attendees, many young people and families. The Pope also canonized another Italian figure, Pier Giorgio Frassati.
Leo XIV described both men as having created “masterpieces” of their lives through their devotion to God. He emphasized the importance of living a life aligned with God’s plan, urging young people, in particular, to avoid squandering their lives.
Acutis, born in London in 1991, moved to Milan as a child. He developed a strong interest in computer science, even consuming advanced programming texts at a young age. His creation of a multilingual website documenting Eucharistic miracles, a feat that was considered advanced for the time, led to his nickname, “God’s influencer.”
Despite his technological aptitude, Acutis maintained a disciplined lifestyle, balancing his faith with limited recreational activities. He dedicated significant time to prayer and prioritized personal relationships over virtual ones. This balance resonated with the Catholic Church, which has expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of modern technology.
Acutis passed away in 2006 from acute leukemia. His body, remarkably well-preserved, is entombed in Assisi, attracting millions of young pilgrims. The preservation of his body, particularly parts of his heart which have been displayed as relics, has generated considerable interest.
The canonization process had been previously delayed. It had been actively promoted by the previous Pope, who believed Acutis could serve as a relatable role model for young Catholics in the digital age.
A Chicago eighth-grader, Leo Kowalsky, who attends a school named after Acutis, expressed excitement about the canonization, noting the personal connection to both Acutis and the Pope himself.
The Vatican actively promoted Acutis as a relatable figure for young people, emphasizing his ordinary life and extraordinary actions. The ceremony involved a significant number of clergy, highlighting the widespread support for Acutis’ sainthood.
Many young Italian pilgrims attended the Mass, highlighting Acutis’ popularity among millennials. One attendee noted the importance of having a relatable religious figure even on social media platforms.
Matthew Schmalz, a professor of religious studies at Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts, viewed Acutis’ canonization as an extension of popular piety into the digital age. He suggested that Acutis exemplifies a balanced approach to technology, integrating it with traditional Catholic spirituality.
Frassati, the other individual canonized, lived from 1901 to 1925, known for his charitable work and devotion to his faith. He died at a young age from polio.
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