Carlo Acutis, a British-born Italian teenager, will become the first millennial saint this Sunday. Known as “God’s Influencer,” he spread the Catholic faith online long before social media became a part of everyday life. Thousands of pilgrims are expected to witness the historic canonization at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
A Young Life Devoted to Faith
Carlo was born in London in 1991 to an Italian mother and a father of English-Italian descent. He grew up in Milan, where he attended Mass every day. He cared deeply for those around him. Carlo helped children who were bullied and provided food and sleeping bags to homeless people.
Even though his family was not particularly religious, Carlo showed a special connection to God from a young age. By seven, he wrote, “My life plan is to be always close to Jesus.” He carried this commitment until his life was tragically cut short.
A Tech-Savvy Devotion
Carlo loved computer games, but he used his tech skills for faith. He taught himself coding and built a website to catalog Eucharistic miracles around the world. His online efforts made Catholic teachings accessible to people everywhere. He became a symbol of how faith and technology can work together, earning the nickname “God’s Influencer.”
Battling a Fatal Illness
In October 2006, Carlo was diagnosed with leukemia. The news shocked his family. The disease affects blood cells and is especially aggressive in young people. Despite the diagnosis, Carlo stayed calm. He told his parents, “I’m happy to die because I’ve lived my life without wasting even a minute of it doing things that wouldn’t have pleased God.” He died on October 12, 2006, at age 15.
Miracles and the Path to Sainthood
Carlo’s canonization came after the Vatican recognized two miracles attributed to him. In Brazil, a boy suffering from a rare pancreatic malformation recovered after his family prayed to Carlo. In Costa Rica, a young woman survived a serious accident following prayers at Carlo’s tomb in Assisi. These miracles were thoroughly investigated and approved.
He was beatified in 2020 by Pope Francis. His canonization was originally set for April 2025 but delayed after Pope Francis’s death. Pope Leo XIV will officially declare him a saint this Sunday.
Pilgrims and Public Celebration
Carlo’s final wish was to be buried in Assisi, home to Saint Francis, his spiritual inspiration. Hundreds of thousands visit his glass-walled tomb each year, where he lies in jeans and Nike trainers. Many believe his body remains incorrupt, though the Vatican has not confirmed this.
Over 800 pilgrims will travel from Assisi to Rome on a special train for the canonization. Large screens in Assisi will allow those who cannot attend to watch the ceremony. The Vatican expects thousands of faithful to fill St. Peter’s Square.
Carlo’s Legacy Today
Carlo’s story inspires young people worldwide. He showed that modern technology can be a powerful tool for faith. He proved that even a teenager can make a global impact. Carlo’s canonization marks a historic moment for the Church, connecting millennial values with timeless devotion.
A Day of Double Celebration
Carlo will be canonized alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, an Italian student and mountaineer who dedicated his life to helping the poor. Frassati, who died of polio at age 24, became known for his social and spiritual commitment. The Vatican recognized a miracle in his intercession in 2024, allowing his canonization to coincide with Carlo’s.
Sunday’s ceremony will be Pope Leo XIV’s first since his election in May 2025. It takes place during the Jubilee, a Holy Year that has already drawn more than 24 million pilgrims to Rome. Faithful from around the world will gather to celebrate, reflect, and honor these two extraordinary young lives.
The First Millennial Saint
Carlo Acutis is more than a saint. He is a symbol for a new generation. He shows that devotion can thrive in the digital age. His life reminds people that acts of kindness, faith, and creativity can leave a lasting mark. As the first millennial saint, Carlo’s story will continue to inspire millions to embrace their faith and use modern tools to make a difference
