Pope Names First Millennial Saint

An extraordinary milestone is on the horizon for the Catholic Church as Carlo Acutis, an Italian teen who tragically passed away at 15, is set to be canonized as the first saint from the millennial generation. This remarkable event, announced by Pope Leo XIV, involves the canonization of both Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, scheduled for September 7, 2023.

Saint Carlo Acutis

Carlo Acutis, who died of leukemia in 2006, has been described by The New York Times as having a “meteoric” path to sainthood, with his canonization occurring merely 19 years after his death — a stark contrast to the historical gap of 262 years often seen in earlier centuries. The significance of this canonization cannot be overstated, as it marks a new chapter in the Church’s narrative, bridging the gap between traditional values and contemporary societal issues.

Becoming a Saint

Acutis was born in London on May 3, 1991, but his life took shape in Italy. His mother, Antonia Salzano, shared her reflections in a video interview with Reuters, saying, “He was an ordinary child. But his extraordinary was the fact that he opened his heart to Jesus.” This profound connection to faith was not born out of a strict religious upbringing — his parents were not particularly devout — yet, Carlo possessed an innate devotion that would steer him on a remarkable spiritual journey. By the age of 7, Acutis was attending Mass daily, a habit that would later inspire those around him. His mother recounted that when her son began teaching catechism at just 11 years old, he would often encourage his peers to reflect on spiritual matters, declaring, “There are queues in front of a concert, in front of a football match, but I don’t see these queues in front of the Blessed Sacrament.” Acutis’ insightful words not only highlighted the contrast between the secular and the sacred, but they also echoed a deeper understanding of faith as a communal experience.

A Young Man of Faith

He was not just a young man of faith; he was a digital pioneer. In an era before social media dominated the landscape, Acutis demonstrated a remarkable ability to integrate his technical skills with his spiritual convictions. Self-taught in various coding languages, he developed websites aimed at educating others about the Eucharist and the real presence of God. His determination to evangelize through technology marked him as an innovative thinker, aptly suiting the needs of his generation. Despite his affinity for gaming — the young saint enjoyed Nintendo Game Boy, GameCube, PlayStation and Xbox — Acutis prioritized his spiritual journey, often reminding his friends to engage in Mass, even while navigating the digital realm. His balanced approach to life as a teen, managing both faith and modernity, presents a relatable narrative for today’s youth. Sadly, Acutis succumbed to leukemia in 2006, but he left an indelible mark that continues to inspire many. In accordance with his last wishes, his body was taken to Assisi, Italy, where it was entombed. A striking aspect of his memorial is the wax model of Acutis dressed in jeans and Nike sneakers — a poignant representation of a modern young man who embodied simplicity and humility.

Miracles

News outlets have reported on two miracles recognized by the Vatican as having occurred through the intercession of Acutis. One miraculous event involved a young Brazilian boy who experienced a “scientifically inexplicable” recovery from his illness. Another case highlighted a 21-year-old woman from Costa Rica who suffered severe head trauma in a bicycle accident; against all odds, she bounced back after her mother prayed to Acutis for help. Both mothers affirm that their prayers were answered, reinforcing the belief in Acutis’ spiritual influence.

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