In a momentous event set to take place on April 27, 2025, the Catholic Church is preparing to canonise Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old British-born Italian boy known for combining his deep Catholic faith with his technological skills. With this, Acutis will become the first millennial saint, symbolising a significant shift in how the Church recognises modern-day holiness.

Born in London in 1991, Carlo moved to Italy as a young child. He grew up in a typical household, attending school, playing video games, and spending time with friends. Yet, despite his ordinary lifestyle, he harboured an extraordinary devotion to Jesus. His mother, Antonia Salzano Acutis, recalls how he lived a simple life but always kept his faith at the forefront.

"Carlo was an ordinary child like (others). He used to play, to have friends, and to go to school. But his extraordinary quality was the fact that he opened the door of his heart to Jesus," she said.

Spreading Faith Through Technology

Carlo stood out for his ability to blend his coding knowledge with evangelism. He taught himself several programming languages and used those skills to create websites for parishes and Catholic organisations, with a mission to spread awareness of the Eucharist and other sacraments.

His most well-known digital work was a website that catalogued Eucharistic miracles around the world. The site, which still draws visitors, showcases how Carlo used the internet as a means to make religious education more accessible and engaging for youth.

“He used this skill to spread the good news, the Gospel,” his mother explained.

A Life Cut Short, But Spirit Lives On

In 2006, at just 15 years old, Carlo died from leukaemia, a loss that devastated his family and community. However, his story didn't end there. As his reputation for holiness grew, the Church began the formal process toward sainthood, eventually moving his body to Assisi, a town historically linked with St. Francis.

His body was placed in a glass tomb, adorned in his typical teenage outfit—jeans, a tracksuit top, and sneakers. This choice reflects his relatable and down-to-earth nature, which continues to draw young pilgrims from across the globe.

“I felt great emotion at seeing a boy younger than me who lived a happy life … despite his sickness,” said Emanuele Iaquaniello, an 18-year-old visitor.

Recognised Miracles and Global Devotion

The Catholic Church officially credits Carlo with two miracles:

• A 4-year-old Brazilian boy with a serious pancreatic malformation who was miraculously healed.

• A 21-year-old Costa Rican woman who recovered from near-fatal brain trauma after a bicycle accident.

In both cases, the individuals' mothers reportedly prayed for Carlo's intercession, and Vatican authorities recognised these events as supernatural.

Such recognitions are required for canonisation, and the Pope’s approval confirms his entry into sainthood.

Youthful Sainthood and Pope Francis’ Support

Carlo's story resonates especially with younger generations. His example offers a modern-day narrative of faith, humility, and technological engagement. Bishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi noted:

“Acutis succeeds in giving … young people this image of the true Christian image.”

Pope Francis, who is still recovering from double pneumonia, is expected to preside over the canonisation ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, though Vatican officials await confirmation.

Relics and the Rise in Popularity

With Carlo’s popularity soaring, there have been disturbing instances of people attempting to sell his relics online, including pieces of clothing and body fragments. The Catholic Church has strictly forbidden the sale of relics, and Bishop Sorrentino has sought law enforcement intervention to stop such listings, particularly on sites like eBay.

“The sales are horrible,” the Bishop said. “It is unacceptable to commercialise holiness.”

Why Carlo Acutis Matters Today

Carlo Acutis represents a new face of sainthood—a teenager who lived among us in the digital age, wore sneakers, coded websites, and still managed to deeply inspire millions through his faithful simplicity. His canonisation comes at a time when young people are searching for meaning, and his life sends a powerful message that you don’t need to be extraordinary to live an extraordinary life.

“He was very severe with himself ... If I wanted to buy two pairs of shoes, he said, no, one is sufficient,” his mother added, recalling his dedication to helping the poor and his simple way of life.

Canonisation Ceremony: A Grand Event in Vatican

The canonisation ceremony will take place on April 27, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, Rome. Tens of thousands of pilgrims are expected to attend, especially youth groups from Italy, Brazil, and other countries touched by his story. The event will be broadcast globally, allowing millions to witness the historic recognition of a millennial saint.

Final Thoughts

Carlo Acutis’ elevation to sainthood is more than just a religious event. It is a cultural milestone, showcasing how faith, humility, and service can coexist with modern tools like the internet. His legacy inspires not just Catholics but anyone who believes in the power of living a meaningful and selfless life.

For many, Carlo is not just a saint—he’s a symbol of hope in the digital age, reminding us that even in a fast-paced world, one can pause, believe, and make a difference.

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