The Catholic Church has canonized its first millennial saint: Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old tech-savvy Italian teen who used his digital skills to spread the Catholic faith. Acutis, often referred to as “God’s Influencer,” was officially declared a saint by Pope Leo XIV during a public Mass held at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, drawing a crowd of approximately 80,000 people.
During the ceremony, Pope Leo XIV also canonized Pier Giorgio Frassati, another young Italian noted for his deep faith and social activism.
"The greatest risk in life is to waste it outside of God’s plan," the Pope said in his homily. "These new saints call on us—especially the youth—to turn our lives into masterpieces."
Who Was Carlo Acutis?
Born in London in 1991 and raised in Milan, Acutis was known for his extraordinary piety and devotion to the Eucharist from a young age. A self-taught computer programmer, he created a multilingual website that catalogued documented Eucharistic miracles around the world—an effort that became widely recognized as a modern approach to evangelization.
Despite his deep interest in technology, Acutis practiced digital discipline, reportedly limiting video game time to just one hour per week, and often emphasizing the value of real-life relationships over virtual ones.
In October 2006, just days after being diagnosed with leukemia, Carlo passed away. He was buried in Assisi, a city closely associated with St. Francis. His body, dressed in jeans, sneakers, and a sweatshirt, lies in a glass tomb that has since become a site of pilgrimage, especially for young Catholics.
A Global Inspiration
Carlo's legacy has continued to grow posthumously. His relics, including his preserved heart, have toured the world, inspiring millions. He has become a beacon for Catholic youth, showing how faith and modern life can coexist meaningfully.
The canonization ceremony had originally been scheduled for earlier in 2025 but was postponed following the death of Pope Francis in April. Pope Francis had been a strong advocate for Acutis’ canonization, believing the Church needed modern, relatable figures who could connect with the digital generation.
Source: MyNewsGh.com
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