Vatican Investigates Online Sale of Relics for Upcoming Saint Canonization
The Catholic Church is taking steps to safeguard the sanctity of its relics in light of the upcoming canonization of Carlo Acutis, its first saint from the millennial generation. Authorities in Italy have been requested to look into the alarming trend of online sales involving items falsely claimed to be Acutis’ relics.
Carlo Acutis, who passed away due to leukemia at the young age of 15 in 2006, has become a powerful source of inspiration for many, drawing countless pilgrims to his shrine in Assisi, Italy. His commitment to sharing his faith and devotion to the Eucharist has made him a revered figure, especially among young Catholics.
In the traditional practice of the Church, relics—often small pieces of a saint’s body or belongings—are honored and displayed for veneration. This practice fosters connection to the divine, but the sale of such items is strictly prohibited. The Diocese of Assisi recently reported that some individuals were attempting to auction what were claimed to be strands of Acutis’ hair for exorbitant amounts, around 2,000 euros (about $2,200). The local bishop condemned this as a serious violation of religious respect and has called for authorities to investigate and confiscate these items.
"The commercialization of faith is not just immoral; it’s a grave sin," said Rev. Enzo Fortunato, emphasizing that the Church views any attempt to profit from relics as a significant affront to believers.
The upcoming canonization ceremony for Acutis is set to take place on April 27, 2025, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. In preparation, his remains were exhumed and preserved to enable public viewing, a process that included reconstructing his face for a lifelike appearance. His heart has been specially preserved and will be transported to Rome for the ceremony.
As pilgrims flock to Assisi in record numbers—approximately one million over the past year—the bishop highlighted the importance of relics, explaining that they serve as reminders of closeness to God. However, he firmly stated that relics should never be viewed as talismans; their true value lies in faith and devotion.
The practice of venerating relics taps into the early history of the Church when believers collected remnants of martyrs who faced persecution for their faith. It serves as a spiritual tool, allowing the faithful to seek intercession and inspiration from saints like Acutis.
In the midst of this devotion, some skeptics on social media have accused the Church of using Acutis’ canonization as a marketing strategy to attract youth back to traditional practices. However, many pilgrims and believers see him as a vital role model for today’s generation.
As preparations continue for his canonization, the actions against the online sale of these relics reaffirm the Church’s commitment to integrity and respect for the sanctity of its traditions. This case underscores the ongoing challenges the Church faces in a modern world increasingly influenced by technology and commercialization.
The sentiment remains clear: true reverence for saints, just like Acutis, should come from genuine faith, not from profit-driven transactions.
