Pope Leo to Canonize Carlo Acutis, First Millennial Saint

Pope Leo is set to canonize Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old computer prodigy known as “God’s influencer,” making him the first millennial saint. This significant event will take place during an open-air mass at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Sunday. The ceremony aims to provide a relatable role model for the next generation of Catholics, emphasizing the importance of using technology to spread the faith.

This canonization marks the first saint-making ceremony of Pope Leo’s pontificate. Alongside Acutis, the Pope will also canonize Pier Giorgio Frassati, another notable Italian figure who died young. Originally scheduled for earlier this year, both ceremonies were postponed following the death of Pope Francis in April. Francis had been a strong advocate for Acutis’s sainthood, believing that the church required a modern figure to engage young Catholics amid the complexities of the digital age.

Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London to a wealthy family that was not particularly observant in their Catholic faith. Shortly after his birth, the family moved back to Milan, where Carlo enjoyed a happy childhood characterized by a deepening religious devotion. He developed a keen interest in computer science, often reading college-level programming books at a young age. His most notable legacy is a multilingual website documenting Eucharistic miracles recognized by the Catholic Church, a project he accomplished at a time when such endeavors were typically reserved for professionals.

In addition to his technical skills, Acutis was known for his dedication to prayer. He spent hours in front of the Eucharist each day, and this practice has gained renewed emphasis from church leaders, who hope to encourage more Catholics to believe in the physical presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Tragically, Acutis fell ill with acute leukemia in October 2006, just days before his death at the age of 15. He was laid to rest in Assisi, a city famous for its association with St. Francis. Since his passing, millions of young Catholics have visited his tomb, where he is displayed in casual attire—jeans, trainers, and a sweatshirt—making him an accessible figure for the youth.

Many young people see Acutis as a relatable role model. Leo Kowalsky, a secondary school student from Chicago, expressed his admiration, stating, “It’s like I can maybe not be as great as Carlo may be, but I can be looking after him and be like, ‘What would Carlo do?’” Kowalsky is particularly excited about the canonization, noting the significance that Pope Leo shares his name with him.

The other individual being canonized, Pier Giorgio Frassati, lived from 1901 to 1925 and died at the young age of 24 due to polio. Known for his charitable work and commitment to serving the poor, Frassati comes from a prominent family in Turin. His legacy, like Acutis’s, resonates with the values of faith and service, drawing attention to the importance of helping others while living out one’s beliefs.

As Pope Leo prepares to canonize these two figures, the ceremonies reflect a broader effort within the Catholic Church to connect with younger generations. By recognizing saints like Carlo Acutis, the Church seeks to highlight the intersection of faith and modernity, encouraging young people to embrace their spirituality in an increasingly digital world.