A British teenager named Carlo Acutis has been declared a saint by Pope Leo during a ceremony attended by a large crowd of worshippers. This marked the first canonization ceremony for Leo, who also sainted another well-known Italian figure, Pier Giorgio Frassati. The event took place in St. Peter’s Square with tens of thousands of attendees, including many millennials and families with young children. Originally scheduled earlier in the year, the ceremonies were postponed due to the passing of Pope Francis in April.
The Vatican reported that 36 cardinals, 270 bishops, and numerous priests participated in the Mass, signifying the widespread appeal of the newly sainted individuals among both the clergy and the general faithful. Acutis, a teenager born in London and raised in Milan, gained international recognition among young Catholics for his modern and relatable approach as a “digital disciple” who utilized technology to propagate his faith.
He was known for his limited screen time, dedicating only an hour per week to video games and prioritizing real human connections over virtual interactions. Alongside typical teenage activities like hiking and gaming, Acutis was actively involved in teaching catechism at a local parish and engaging in charitable outreach to the homeless.
At the age of 11, he initiated an online project highlighting over 100 eucharistic miracles acknowledged by the Catholic Church throughout history, emphasizing the belief in the real presence of Christ in the consecrated elements. Tragically, at 15, Acutis succumbed to acute leukemia in 2006, following which his body was laid to rest in an Assisi cemetery as per his request, reflecting his admiration for St. Francis.
Posthumously recognized for miraculous interventions, Acutis was beatified in 2020 after a child in Brazil experienced an inexplicable recovery attributed to his intercession. Subsequently, a second miracle involving the complete healing of a Costa Rican student from severe head trauma in Italy, following prayers at Acutis’ tomb, solidified his path to sainthood.
Pope Francis actively advocated for Acutis’ sainthood, recognizing the importance of his example in attracting young Catholics to the church amidst the challenges of the digital era. Emphasizing Acutis’ ability to harness communication technologies for sharing the Gospel and promoting positive values, Pope Francis highlighted the teenager’s discernment against consumerism and exploitation of modern media platforms.