In the heart of the Vatican, the Catholic Church prepares for a historic milestone: the canonization of Carlo Acutis, the first saint of the millennial generation, scheduled for September 7, 2025. The young Italian, who passed away at 15 in 2006 due to leukemia, will be elevated to sainthood by Pope Leo XIV in a ceremony expected to draw thousands of faithful to Rome. The date, announced during a consistory of cardinals, highlights Acutis’ journey, known for his devotion to the Eucharist and his use of technological skills to evangelize. The event, originally planned for April, was postponed after the death of Pope Francis. The canonization takes place during the 2025 Holy Year, reinforcing Acutis’ popularity among young Catholics.
Carlo Acutis’ story resonates as a symbol of accessible holiness. Born in London in 1991 and raised in Milan, he combined an ordinary teenage life – with video games, soccer, and friends – with profound faith. His canonization, alongside that of Pier Giorgio Frassati, another young Italian, emphasizes the message that holiness is possible in everyday life.
- Key milestones in Acutis’ journey:
- Beatification in 2020 after recognition of a miracle.
- Creation of a website on Eucharistic miracles.
- Devotion that inspired even his family and friends.
The anticipation for the event grows worldwide, especially in Assisi, where Acutis’ tomb, displayed in a glass coffin, has become a pilgrimage site.
A young man of faith and technology
Carlo Acutis was born into a wealthy family, but his simplicity and generosity defined his short life. From age 7, after receiving his First Communion, he showed a special connection to the Eucharist, attending daily Mass and dedicating time to prayer. His self-taught computer skills were channeled into evangelization. He created a website cataloging over 100 Eucharistic miracles, translated into multiple languages and used in exhibitions by churches worldwide.
The project, started at age 11, reflected his belief that science and faith could coexist. Friends and family recall Acutis as a “natural jokester” and passionate about animals, sports, and music, playing the saxophone and making funny videos with his dogs. His mother, Antonia Salzano, described him as a “sign of hope,” someone who showed holiness is possible in the digital age.
Miracles paving the way to sainthood
The Catholic Church requires two miracles for canonization, and Acutis’ journey was marked by extraordinary events. The first miracle, recognized in 2020, involved the healing of a 4-year-old Brazilian boy, Matheus Vianna, who suffered from a rare pancreatic condition. After prayers to Acutis and contact with his relic, the child recovered inexplicably, according to the Vatican.
The second miracle, approved in 2024, occurred in 2022 with Valeria Valverde, a 21-year-old Costa Rican woman. After suffering severe head trauma in a bicycle accident in Florence, Italy, she underwent emergency craniotomy with little chance of survival. Her mother, Liliana, made a pilgrimage to Acutis’ tomb in Assisi, leaving a letter with a plea for healing. That same day, Valeria began breathing on her own, gradually recovering movement and speech. Two months later, accompanied by her mother, she visited the tomb to give thanks.
- Details of the second miracle:
- Accident occurred in July 2022, in Florence.
- Recovery began on the day of Liliana’s pilgrimage.
- Scans showed complete disappearance of the brain injury.
- Valeria spent only one week in rehabilitation.
The path to canonization
The canonization process for Acutis began in 2013 when the Congregation for the Causes of Saints issued the “nihil obstat,” allowing the cause to proceed. In 2018, Pope Francis declared Acutis “venerable,” recognizing his life of heroic virtues. The beatification in 2020 was held in Assisi, attended by thousands of faithful despite pandemic restrictions. The canonization, initially scheduled for April 27, 2025, was postponed due to Pope Francis’ death on April 21.
Pope Leo XIV, in his first canonization ceremony, chose September 7 as the new date, during the 2025 Holy Year. The decision was celebrated by the Bishop of Assisi, Domenico Sorrentino, who highlighted the relevance of Acutis and Frassati for new generations. The canonization will occur alongside that of Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Italian who died at 24 in 1925 after contracting polio.
Assisi: pilgrimage epicenter
Carlo Acutis’ tomb, located in the Sanctuary of the Spoliation in Assisi, has become one of Italy’s main pilgrimage destinations. Displayed in a glass coffin, dressed in jeans, sneakers, and a sweatshirt, Acutis’ body attracts faithful from around the world. During the 2025 Holy Year, over one million pilgrims are expected to visit the site, according to local diocese estimates.
The city, already famous for its connection to St. Francis and St. Clare, has gained new prominence with Acutis’ story. Local shops sell images, cards, and statuettes of the young blessed, while the sanctuary hosts frequent Eucharistic celebrations. Bishop Sorrentino invited Pope Leo XIV to visit the tomb, promising a warm welcome.
A life of service to others
Beyond his religious devotion, Carlo Acutis was known for his solidarity. He used his allowance to help people experiencing homelessness, buying sleeping bags and food. In Milan, where he grew up, he approached immigrants and those in need, offering support and friendship. His influence was so profound that it led to the conversion of his Hindu au pair to Catholicism and the return of his parents to religious practice.
At school, Acutis defended classmates who were bullied and taught catechism at the local parish. His most famous quote, “To always be united with Jesus, that is my life plan,” reflects the essence of his spirituality. Even during his illness, he offered his sufferings for Pope Benedict XVI and the Church, showing uncommon spiritual maturity for his age.
Relevance for Catholic youth
Carlo Acutis’ popularity among young people is undeniable. His story resonates with a tech-savvy generation, showing that faith can be lived authentically in the digital world. In 2020, Pope Francis cited Acutis in his apostolic exhortation “Christus Vivit,” highlighting him as a model for youth. The young Italian is often called the “patron of the internet” or “God’s influencer,” nicknames that reflect his ability to use technology for evangelization.
Parishes and Catholic groups worldwide, such as the Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish in Wolverhampton, England, and a statue in a shrine in Motherwell, Scotland, celebrate his memory. His canonization is seen as an opportunity for the Catholic Church to connect with younger generations, at a time when it faces challenges in attracting youth.
- Initiatives inspired by Acutis:
- Eucharistic miracle exhibitions in thousands of churches.
- Youth Catholic groups adopting Acutis as a patron.
- Social projects in his memory, focused on helping the poor.
- Apps and websites continuing his digital evangelization work.
The Holy Year and canonization
The 2025 Holy Year, which began in December 2024, is a period of spiritual renewal for the Catholic Church, marked by pilgrimages and celebrations. The canonization of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati is among the most anticipated events, particularly due to the connection of both young men to contemporary spirituality. The September 7 ceremony will be held in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, with tens of thousands of faithful, including many teenagers, who were originally expected to attend the Youth Jubilee in April.
The choice of date reflects the intention to highlight holiness lived by young people in modern contexts. While Frassati is remembered for his dedication to the poor and passion for mountaineering, Acutis is celebrated for integrating faith and technology. Both represent models of Christian life that resonate with 21st-century challenges.
Preparations for the ceremony
The organization of the canonization involves joint efforts by the Vatican and the Diocese of Assisi. St. Peter’s Square will be prepared to welcome pilgrims from various countries, with live broadcasts for millions worldwide. In Assisi, parallel celebrations are being planned, including Masses and vigils at the sanctuary where Acutis is buried. The local diocese expects a significant increase in visitors, especially after the canonization.
Preparations also include producing liturgical materials, such as prayers and hymns dedicated to Acutis, to be used in parishes worldwide. His liturgical feast, to be set after the canonization, will be an annual moment for Catholics to remember his life and legacy.
A saint for the digital world
Carlo Acutis’ story transcends borders, inspiring Catholics and non-Catholics alike. His ability to use the internet to spread the Christian message makes him a unique figure in Church history. Unlike saints of past eras, Acutis lived in a connected world, facing the same challenges as today’s youth, such as social media pressures and the search for purpose.
His canonization is an invitation for the Church to continue exploring new evangelization methods. Projects like apps and digital platforms inspired by Acutis are already in development, aiming to keep his mission alive. The message that holiness is accessible, even amid the distractions of the modern world, is the young Italian’s most enduring legacy.
