VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV recently honored a remarkable young man, Carlo Acutis, by declaring him the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint. This event, held during an open-air Mass in St. Peter’s Square, aimed to inspire millennials and younger generations with a relatable role model who effectively used technology to share the faith. Acutis, who passed away in 2006 at just 15 years old, was affectionately known as “God’s influencer.”
During the ceremony, attended by around 80,000 people, many young families included, Pope Leo also recognized another young Italian, Pier Giorgio Frassati, for his dedication to God. In his homily, the Pope emphasized that both individuals turned their lives into “masterpieces” by devoting themselves to God and encouraged everyone, especially youth, to live intentionally and for a greater purpose.
An Ordinary Life Made Extraordinary
Born into a wealthy but not overly religious family on May 3, 1991, Acutis moved to Milan shortly after his birth. He enjoyed a happy childhood marked by an increasing interest in faith. Known for his passion for technology, he immersed himself in college-level programming books at a young age. His major contribution was a multilingual website documenting Eucharistic miracles, a remarkable feat for someone his age during the early days of the internet.
Acutis was committed to daily prayers before the Eucharist, embodying a deep faith that the Church has sought to rekindle among its members. He limited his gaming time to just an hour each week, valuing real-life connections over virtual ones. This disciplined approach to life resonates today, especially as many worry about the challenges posed by a tech-driven society.
Tragically, Acutis fell ill with leukemia and passed away within days in October 2006. He was laid to rest in Assisi, a city closely linked to Saint Francis, where many come to pay their respects.
A Growing Legacy
Since his passing, millions of young Catholics have flocked to Assisi to visit Acutis’ well-preserved tomb, dressed in casual jeans and sneakers. His remains have even been displayed around the world as relics, sparking curiosity about his preservation. The canonization ceremony, initially set for earlier this year, was postponed following the death of Pope Francis, who believed that a figure like Acutis could help draw young people back to the Church amidst a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Students like Leo Kowalsky, an 8th grader at a Chicago parish named after Acutis, express excitement about having a saint like him to look up to. Kowalsky likened his path to Acutis, indicating that he strives to mirror his determination in his own life.
The Vatican has worked deliberately to introduce Acutis as a “saint next door,” someone who lived an ordinary life yet achieved extraordinary things. This connection is significant for millennials, who are often seen as the first generation to grow up in the digital age.
Faith in the Digital Era
An hour before the Mass, St. Peter’s Square was bustling with young pilgrims and families. Many expressed appreciation for Acutis’ joyful spirit and his relatable approach, highlighting the importance of having a modern-day role model for the digital generation.
Religious scholars note that Acutis’ canonization is a continuation of the Church’s tradition of popular piety, showing how traditional values can thrive even amid modern complexities. In a world saturated with distractions, Acutis stands as a simple yet profound example of how to navigate the digital landscape while maintaining a strong spiritual foundation.
