Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager renowned for his devout Catholic faith and innovative use of technology, was canonized as the first millennial saint by Pope Leo XIV on September 7, 2025, in a ceremony at the Vatican alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati. This historic event highlights the Church’s embrace of modern holiness and aims to inspire younger generations through examples of contemporary sainthood.
The canonization Mass took place in St. Peter’s Square, with Pope Leo XIV presiding over the liturgy that declared Acutis and Frassati saints of the Catholic Church. Thousands of pilgrims from around the world gathered for the occasion, which was also broadcast globally via livestream, allowing millions to participate remotely. The ceremony began at 10 a.m. Rome time, featuring traditional elements of canonization, including the reading of miracles attributed to the blesseds and the formal proclamation by the pope.
Carlo Acutis, born in London in 1991 and raised in Milan, died at age 15 from leukemia in 2006, but his short life was marked by extraordinary piety and a passion for using digital tools to spread faith. He attended Mass daily, volunteered at soup kitchens, and created websites documenting Eucharistic miracles and saints, earning him the monikers ‘God’s influencer’ and ‘patron saint of the internet’. His beatification in 2020 and rapid path to sainthood reflect the Church’s desire to connect with youth in the digital age.
Pier Giorgio Frassati, born in Turin in 1901, was a lay Dominican known for his service to the poor through the St. Vincent de Paul Society and his opposition to political extremism in early 20th-century Italy. An avid mountaineer and often called the ‘man of the Beatitudes’, he died of polio at age 24 in 1925 and was beatified in 1990. His canonization alongside Acutis symbolizes a bridge between different eras of youth holiness.
The joint canonization was originally scheduled for earlier in 2025 but was postponed due to the death of Pope Francis and the subsequent election of Pope Leo XIV. The rescheduling to September 7 aligned with the Jubilee for Adolescents, emphasizing the event’s focus on young people. Pope Leo XIV, in his homily, praised both saints for their joyful witness to faith and called them models for all Catholics, especially the youth.
Acutis’ canonization has generated significant global interest, with numerous schools and parishes already named after him, and new educational materials, such as an animated movie about his life, released to coincide with the event. His story resonates for its demonstration of how everyday activities and modern technology can be harnessed for spiritual growth and evangelization.
The implications of this canonization are far-reaching, potentially revitalizing youth engagement in the Church and encouraging digital ministry initiatives. Acutis and Frassati are expected to become patron saints for various causes, including internet users, athletes, and the poor, fostering renewed devotion and charitable works.
Looking forward, the Vatican anticipates increased pilgrimages to the saints’ tombs in Assisi and Turin, and ongoing celebrations worldwide. This canonization marks a pivotal moment in Catholic history, affirming that holiness is attainable in any generation and setting a precedent for future saints from the digital era.