Vatican Canonizes Carlo Acutis, ‘God’s Influencer,’ as First Millennial Saint
Vatican Canonizes Carlo Acutis, ‘God’s Influencer,’ as First Millennial Saint
VATICAN CITY – In a historic ceremony at the Vatican, Carlo Acutis, dubbed ‘God’s influencer,’ has been officially canonized, becoming the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint. Acutis, who passed away from leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15, was celebrated for his pioneering use of the internet to evangelize and document Eucharistic miracles.
The canonization, presided over by Pope Leo XIV, drew thousands of devotees eager to witness the recognition of a contemporary figure who harnessed digital tools for faith. Acutis, known for coding a website to catalogue Eucharistic miracles, represents a bridge between traditional faith and the digital age, inspiring a new generation of Catholics.
His tomb in Assisi, where his face and hands are reconstructed with silicone and he is dressed in jeans and sneakers, has become a significant pilgrimage site, attracting nearly a million visitors annually. Memorabilia featuring his image, often depicted with a holy light, are widely sold, reflecting the widespread devotion to the young saint. His mother, Antonia Salzano, expressed a sense of responsibility regarding her son’s legacy, actively promoting his image and ensuring his story is told accurately.
The Vatican recognized two miracles attributed to Acutis: the healing of a 4-year-old Brazilian boy with a severe pancreatic malformation and the recovery of a 21-year-old Costa Rican woman after a near-fatal bicycle accident. These miracles were crucial to his rapid ascent to sainthood, a process that typically takes centuries.
Church officials view Acutis as a vital model for young people, demonstrating that faith can thrive in the modern world. Relics of Acutis, including a sliver of his pericardium, are traveling globally, drawing thousands of worshippers and offering a tangible connection to the ‘saint of youth’ who continues to offer hope and inspiration through the internet and beyond.
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