Pope Leo XIV declared Carlo Acutis the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint during a Mass in Vatican City on September 7, 2025. Acutis, a teenager who died in 2006, is celebrated for his piety and innovative use of digital media to promote faith.
The canonization ceremony was held in St. Peter’s Square, with Pope Leo XIV officiating before a crowd of approximately 80,000 people. The event, which included the canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassati, was attended by 36 cardinals, 270 bishops, and numerous priests, underscoring its significance. Originally scheduled for April, the Mass was postponed due to the death of Pope Francis, who had been a key advocate for Acutis’ sainthood. The gathering featured many young Catholics, reflecting Acutis’ appeal to millennials and Generation Z. Pilgrims began arriving hours early, filling the square with anticipation and devotion.
Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London to Italian parents and raised in Milan. From a young age, he exhibited a strong devotion to the Eucharist, often spending hours in prayer. Self-taught in computer programming, he created a comprehensive website documenting Eucharistic miracles, which became his legacy. Despite his tech proficiency, Acutis practiced moderation, allowing only one hour of video games per week. He died unexpectedly in October 2006 from acute promyelocytic leukemia, leaving a profound impact on those who knew him.
The path to sainthood required verification of two miracles attributed to Acutis’ intercession. The first miracle, approved in 2020, involved the healing of Matheus Vianna, a 7-year-old Brazilian boy with a rare pancreatic disorder, after contact with Acutis’ relic. The second miracle, recognized in 2024, credited Acutis with the complete recovery of Valeria Valverde, a Costa Rican student who suffered severe head trauma in a bicycle accident. These miracles were thoroughly investigated and confirmed by Vatican authorities, fulfilling the criteria for canonization.
Acutis’ body is entombed in Assisi, where it is displayed in a glass case, dressed in casual attire, and has attracted millions of visitors. The apparent preservation of his body has sparked curiosity and devotion among pilgrims. The Vatican has actively promoted him as a “saint next door,” emphasizing his relatable qualities and modern relevance. His mother, Antonia Salzano, has shared stories of his normal childhood and deep faith, humanizing his saintly image.
The canonization event highlights the Catholic Church’s strategy to engage with contemporary issues, particularly technology and youth outreach. Pope Francis envisioned Acutis as a role model for navigating the digital world with faith and discipline. Pope Leo continued this vision, using the homily to encourage young people to avoid wasting their lives and to seek holiness. The event also addressed the decline in Eucharistic devotion, with Acutis’ life serving as an example of fervent belief.
Looking forward, Acutis’ sainthood is expected to inspire new initiatives in digital evangelization and youth ministry within the Church. His story resonates globally, offering a message of hope and accessibility to sainthood. The canonization marks a significant moment in Catholic history, bridging traditional spirituality with modern challenges. It reaffirms the Church’s ability to adapt and remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.