The Catholic Church recently canonized a saint who was born in the ’90s, enjoyed wearing sneakers, playing video games, and utilized computer programming to spread the gospel. Carlo Acutis, a British-Italian teen who passed away in 2006 at the age of 15 due to leukemia, was officially recognized as the church’s first millennial saint during a ceremony at the Vatican. He was affectionately dubbed “God’s influencer” by Italian media for his innovative use of the internet in promoting his faith.
Reverend Ed Howe of the Carlo Acutis Parish in Chicago referred to Acutis as the “patron saint of the internet,” emphasizing the various titles bestowed upon him by different groups. Pope Leo, the first U.S. pontiff, canonized Acutis in an open-air mass at St. Peter’s Square alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Italian known for his charitable deeds who succumbed to polio in the 1920s. A saint in the Catholic tradition is someone recognized for leading a virtuous, holy, and heroic life, believed to have ascended to Heaven.
Approximately 80,000 individuals, including young Catholics from around the globe, attended the canonization ceremony. Acutis, born in London in 1991 and raised in Milan, displayed a keen interest in computer science from a young age, delving into advanced programming literature. He created a multilingual website documenting Eucharistic miracles, showcasing his dedication to leveraging modern technology for evangelization. Known for his devout nature, Acutis frequented church services and had a profound reverence for the Eucharist.
Acutis’ untimely death in 2006 drew millions of young Catholics to his resting place in Assisi, Italy, where he is enshrined in a glass-sided tomb clad in casual attire. Celebrations honoring Saint Acutis have extended beyond Rome, with events like “Carlo Fest” at Howe’s parish in Chicago and special tributes at Cardinal Carter High School in Leamington, Ontario. Acutis’ relatability to modern teens, given his shared interests and unwavering faith, serves as an inspiration for young worshippers seeking a balance between worldly pursuits and spiritual devotion.
The expedited canonization of Acutis, less than two decades posthumously, reflects a shift towards recognizing ordinary individuals for their extraordinary faith and actions. Young saints like Acutis symbolize the embodiment of goodness in everyday life, resonating with communities on a personal level. Pope Francis’ emphasis on engaging with youth and honoring the sanctity of ordinary individuals has accelerated Acutis’ journey to sainthood, underscoring his enduring impact as a role model for young believers.
