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The Vatican announced that Carlo Acutis, an Italian youth known as the "influencer of God", will be proclaimed this Sunday as the first millennial saint of the Catholic Church.
According to the site Vatican News, the canonization will take place in St. Peter's Square, during a ceremony presided over by Pope Leo XIV, and will mark an unprecedented event in the modern history of sainthood.
Acutis passed away in 2006 at the age of 15, victim of a fulminant leukemia. Despite his young age, he stood out for his faith and creativity in spreading the Gospel through the internet and social media, which earned him the nickname "God's influencer."
He wore jeans and sneakers, played video games, and practiced soccer, but he also dedicated his time to volunteering and helping those in need.
Since his beatification in 2020, devotion to Acutis has continued to grow. In Assisi, where his remains rest, thousands of faithful visit each year to honor him, and his youthful image has become a symbol of a new generation of saints.
Even supposed relics have been marketed, although canon law prohibits their sale.
The Holy See has recognized two miracles: the inexplicable healing of a Brazilian boy with a rare congenital malformation and the recovery of a young Costa Rican with a head injury after a bicycle accident. These cases were crucial to completing the canonization process.
The Vatican proposes Acutis as a relatable figure for youth, highlighting his ability to live the Gospel in contexts relevant to adolescents.
The Church is even considering declaring him the patron of the Internet, for his innovative use of technology to spread the faith.
Alongside Acutis, Pier Giorgio Frassati will be canonized, who died a century ago at the age of 24. On November 25, 2024, Pope Francis approved a miracle attributed to his intercession before God.
However, following the announcement of Pope Francis's death on April 21, 2025, the date of his canonization was set to indefinite.
Frequently Asked Questions about the canonization of the first millennial saint, Carlo Acutis
Who is Carlo Acutis and why is he known as the "influencer of God"?
Carlo Acutis was a young Italian who, despite his short life, stood out for his intense faith and creativity in spreading the Gospel through the internet and social media. Born in 1991, he passed away in 2006 at the age of 15 due to leukemia. His nickname "God's influencer" comes from his ability to use digital platforms to promote the Catholic faith among young people. He dressed casually and engaged in common activities such as playing video games and soccer, but he also dedicated time to volunteering and helping those in need.
When and where will Carlo Acutis be canonized?
The canonization of Carlo Acutis will take place next Sunday in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, during a ceremony presided over by Pope Leo XIV. This event will mark an unprecedented moment in the modern history of the Catholic Church, as Acutis becomes the first millennial saint.
What miracles are attributed to Carlo Acutis for his canonization?
Carlo Acutis has been recognized by the Vatican for two miracles: the unexplained healing of a Brazilian child with a rare congenital malformation and the recovery of a young Costa Rican woman with a head injury after a bicycle accident. These cases were crucial in completing the canonization process and demonstrating the divine intercession attributed to the young Italian.
What is Carlo Acutis' legacy for Catholic youth?
The legacy of Carlo Acutis for Catholic youth is his ability to live the Gospel in contexts relevant to teenagers, using technology and digital communication as tools to draw closer to God. The Church presents him as a relatable figure for young people due to his example of faith and creativity in spreading the Christian message. Furthermore, there are discussions to declare him the patron saint of the Internet, given his innovative use of technology to share his faith.
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