Pope Leo XIV announced the canonization of Carlo Acutis, marking a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church as he becomes the first millennial saint, with the ceremony now scheduled for September 7.
Pope Leo XIV to Canonize Carlo Acutis as First Millennial Saint
Pope Leo XIV to Canonize Carlo Acutis as First Millennial Saint
Teenager's Sainthood Ceremony Set for September After Delay Due to Papal Transition
In a significant announcement, Pope Leo XIV stated on Friday that Carlo Acutis, known as “God’s influencer” and a young computer enthusiast from Italy, will be canonized on September 7, solidifying his place as the first millennial saint in the Roman Catholic Church. The ceremony was initially planned for April 27 but was postponed due to the sudden passing of Pope Francis just days earlier.
Acutis, who passed away in 2006 at the tender age of 15, is remembered not only for his technological savvy but also for his deep spirituality. He was an ardent churchgoer, creating a website that cataloged miracles associated with the Eucharist and engaging in numerous acts of charity. His life, albeit short, left a profound impact on both the faithful and the wider community, especially teenagers, as his tomb in Assisi has become a pilgrimage site since his beatification in 2020.
Historically, the canonization process has been lengthy, averaging over two centuries; however, Acutis's journey to sainthood spanned just 19 years, illustrating a growing acknowledgment within the Church of young role models. Rev. Anthony Figueirida, an author who chronicled Carlo’s life, commented on the teenager’s inspirational legacy in a world often rife with negativity.
Additionally, during a meeting with Vatican cardinals, Pope Leo XIV confirmed that Pier Giorgio Frassati, a 24-year-old from Turin who passed away a century ago, would also be canonized on the same day. Frassati has been celebrated as a paragon of Christian life. Both canonizations are expected to take place in the grandeur of St. Peter’s Square, coinciding with significant events attracting pilgrims during the Church's Holy Year.
As the Vatican prepares for this momentous occasion, Carlo Acutis’s legacy continues to resonate, particularly with younger generations navigating an uncertain future.
Acutis, who passed away in 2006 at the tender age of 15, is remembered not only for his technological savvy but also for his deep spirituality. He was an ardent churchgoer, creating a website that cataloged miracles associated with the Eucharist and engaging in numerous acts of charity. His life, albeit short, left a profound impact on both the faithful and the wider community, especially teenagers, as his tomb in Assisi has become a pilgrimage site since his beatification in 2020.
Historically, the canonization process has been lengthy, averaging over two centuries; however, Acutis's journey to sainthood spanned just 19 years, illustrating a growing acknowledgment within the Church of young role models. Rev. Anthony Figueirida, an author who chronicled Carlo’s life, commented on the teenager’s inspirational legacy in a world often rife with negativity.
Additionally, during a meeting with Vatican cardinals, Pope Leo XIV confirmed that Pier Giorgio Frassati, a 24-year-old from Turin who passed away a century ago, would also be canonized on the same day. Frassati has been celebrated as a paragon of Christian life. Both canonizations are expected to take place in the grandeur of St. Peter’s Square, coinciding with significant events attracting pilgrims during the Church's Holy Year.
As the Vatican prepares for this momentous occasion, Carlo Acutis’s legacy continues to resonate, particularly with younger generations navigating an uncertain future.
