The Catholic Church is poised to mark an extraordinary event in April, as Carlo Acutis, a London-born teenager affectionately dubbed “God’s influencer,” will be canonized, making him the first millennial saint. Carlo Acutis, who tragically passed away from leukemia in 2006 at the tender age of 15, is a remarkable figure in the modern religious landscape, particularly for his skills in leveraging the internet for religious outreach. His canonization, a significant milestone for both the Church and its followers, reflects the evolving nature of sainthood in our digital age.
Carlo Acutis’s journey towards being recognized as a saint gained momentum when Pope Francis approved the attribution of a second miracle to him in May 2024. This pivotal step clears the path for his canonization. Prior to his impending sainthood, Acutis had already been beatified in 2020 due to his first attributed miracle, which involved the healing of a Brazilian child diagnosed with a congenital disease. These miracles, essential in the canonization process, illustrate Acutis’s lasting impact and the spiritual legacy he left behind despite his brief life.
Nicknamed “the patron saint of the internet,” Carlo Acutis carved out a unique niche by passionately documenting and disseminating information about miracles online, demonstrating a profound understanding of the internet’s potential to spread faith and knowledge. He created websites for both his parish and school, but his most notable contribution was a dedicated website cataloging every reported Eucharistic miracle. Launched just days before his passing, this site has since gained international traction, being translated into multiple languages and serving as the foundation for an exhibition showcasing these wondrous events worldwide.
The circumstances surrounding Carlo Acutis’s life and his connection to multiple places add layers to his profile. Though he was born in London, he lived much of his childhood in Italy, where he ultimately passed away. After his death, his body was moved to Assisi, where it now rests on display alongside relics associated with him, providing a physical connection to his inspiring story for the faithful.
The path to sainthood within the Catholic Church typically involves a rigorous investigation of miraculous events attributed to the individual in question. For an act to be classified as a miracle, it must exceed what is naturally conceivable, often exemplified by sudden healing from grave illnesses. To qualify for sainthood, two verified miracles are generally required, underlining the weighty nature of this spiritual title.
In the most recent miracle attributed to Acutis, reported in 2024, a university student in Florence experienced healing after suffering significant brain trauma. This healing has further solidified Acutis’s reputation as a figure of divine intervention and faith in modern times, especially among youth exposed to the complexities of contemporary life and technology.
Pope Francis has indicated that the canonization ceremony for Carlo Acutis will take place over the weekend starting on April 26, 2024, a date eagerly anticipated by countless followers around the world. This public recognition of a figure who resonates particularly with younger generations represents a bridge between traditional faith and contemporary means of communication, underlining the Catholic Church’s ongoing adaptation to the modern world.
Through his commitment to documenting miracles and engaging with technology for the purpose of spreading faith, Carlo Acutis has established a legacy that transcends his brief years. As he is set to be canonized, Acutis stands as a testament to the potential of youth in contributing to the Church’s mission, embodying a uniquely modern approach to spirituality and devotion. His story inspires a new generation of believers, guiding them in their faith journeys in an increasingly digital society.
