Carlo Acutis, a dedicated teenager recognized for his profound faith and technological skills, is poised to become the first Millennial saint. His canonization was originally planned for April under the late Pope Francis but was delayed due to the Pope’s unforeseen passing on April 21. Now, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV has announced that Acutis’ canonization will occur on September 7, alongside seven others, including fellow young Catholic Pier Giorgio Frassati.
Born in London to Italian parents and raised in Milan, Carlo Acutis lived a life marked by exceptional kindness and spiritual commitment. He received his First Communion at the age of seven, regularly contributed to the poor, and, as he matured, prepared meals for the homeless. Acutis was also recognized for utilizing technology to promote the Catholic faith, earning him the title “God’s influencer.”
Acutis passed away in 2006 at the age of 15 due to leukemia, yet his legacy continued through what the Vatican later recognized as two miracles. The first involved a Brazilian toddler, Matheus Vianna, who suffered from a rare congenital disorder. After a priest touched the child with a piece of Acutis’ clothing, he reportedly experienced a complete recovery.
The second miracle concerned Valeria Valverde from Costa Rica, who astonishingly recovered from a severe brain hemorrhage. Her mother had prayed at Acutis’ resting place shortly before Valeria regained consciousness and was subsequently discharged from the hospital, with doctors noting that the hemorrhage had vanished.
Acutis’ body has been preserved in Italy’s Church of Santa Maria Maggiore since his passing. After nearly two decades of devotion and investigation, he will officially be canonized—an event that signifies a new chapter in modern sainthood and youth spiritual leadership within the Catholic Church.
