Italian teenager Carlo Acutis, known as ‘God’s influencer,’ is set to become the first millennial saint of the Catholic Church in April. Thousands of faithful are gathering in Assisi, Italy, to witness the shrine of the first millennial—born between 1980 and 2000—to be canonized. Acutis passed away from leukemia in 2006 at just 15 years old and was renowned for his computer skills aimed at spreading Catholic faith and devotion. Frequently depicted in casual attire like jeans and sportswear, his story is seen as a valuable connection for the Church to engage with younger generations in the digital era.
Typically, recognition as a saint can take decades; however, Acutis’s process was expedited due to attributed miracles worldwide. Candidates for sainthood must perform two miracles, each requiring thorough examination. In May 2024, a second miracle was credited to Acutis and recognized by Pope Francis, paving the way for his canonization.
The final step occurred last year when Vatican announced Pope Francis’s decree ordering the canonization after cardinals voted in favor. The ceremony, coinciding with the jubilee year celebrations of the Catholic Church, will take place in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, under the Pope’s leadership.
With Acutis’s official canonization, the Catholic Church globally can name parishes and schools after him, and his feast day will honor his memory. Born in London in 1991, Acutis loved video games like Halo, Super Mario, and Pokémon. During his short life, he created a website documenting miracle reports worldwide. Besides gaming, he played saxophone, enjoyed soccer, loved animals, and made humorous videos with his dogs.
His mother, Antonia Salzano, described him as a ‘sign of hope.’ Acutis was declared ‘blessed’ in 2020 after his first miracle healed a Brazilian boy born with a pancreatic defect. His second miracle involved the recovery of a Costa Rican girl who suffered head trauma after falling off her bike in Florence, where she studied. Her mother prayed for her daughter’s recovery at Acutis’s tomb in Assisi.