A remarkable event is set to take place at the Vatican as Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager affectionately referred to as “God’s Influencer,” is poised to be canonized as the first millennial Catholic saint. This historic ceremony is anticipated to draw tens of thousands of worshippers to St. Peter’s Square, where Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the life and legacy of Acutis, who passed away from leukemia in 2006 at just 15 years old.
Carlo Acutis was born in London in 1991 to Italian parents and grew up in Milan. A self-taught coder, he harnessed his technological skills to document miracles and various aspects of the Catholic faith online. His dedication to serving others extended beyond the digital realm; he was known for attending Mass daily and showing kindness to those in need, particularly bullied children and the homeless. Acutis’s life story has resonated with Catholic youth worldwide, leading to his elevation to the revered stature of saints like Francis of Assisi.
His physical presence is preserved in a glass-walled tomb located in Assisi, a pilgrimage destination in Italy’s Umbria region that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The Vatican has recognized Acutis for performing two miracles since his passing: the recovery of a Brazilian child experiencing a pancreatic malformation and a Costa Rican student injured in an accident. Both individuals sought his intercession, highlighting the enduring connection between Acutis and believers around the globe.
Antonia Salzano, Carlo’s mother, poignantly remarked on her son’s unique perspective on humanity, noting his belief that every person is “original and not a photocopy.” This view aligns with the teachings of the Catholic Church, which emphasizes the inherent dignity of every individual.
Originally scheduled for April, the canonization ceremony was postponed following the death of Pope Francis, who championed Acutis’s cause, advocating for a modern saint capable of engaging young Catholics and addressing the complexities of today’s digital landscape. In his writings, Francis acknowledged the potential harm of technology but also recognized its capacity to convey the values and beauty of the Gospel, a sentiment that resonates in the work of Acutis.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy with this significant event, he carries forward Francis’s commitment to embracing modern challenges, including the rise of artificial intelligence. Acutis’s lasting digital legacy includes a renowned website dedicated to Eucharistic miracles, showcasing over 196 inexplicable events tied to the Catholic faith. This resource, available in nearly 20 languages, stands as a testament to the intersection of faith and technology in contemporary society.
This canonization is not only a celebration of Acutis’s life but also a reflection of the Church’s evolving role in the modern world, illustrating an embrace of technology and youth engagement within the framework of Catholic teachings. The ceremony promises to be a cherished moment for believers and a source of inspiration for the future.
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