The Canonization Ceremony
Pope Leo XIV declared Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian computer whiz, the first millennial saint at an open-air Mass attended by tens of thousands of people in the Vatican's St. Peter's Square on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Carlo Acutis, who died of leukemia in 2006, was raised to sainthood after the Vatican recognized him as performing two miracles since his death.
Background on Carlo Acutis
Carlo Acutis was born in London to Italian parents and moved to Italy with his family at a young age. He was known for his computer skills and created a website to catalog Eucharistic miracles. He was nicknamed 'God's influencer' for his online presence and his efforts to spread Catholic teachings through the internet.
The Canonization Process
The process of declaring someone a saint in the Catholic Church involves several steps, including the investigation of the person's life and virtues, and the verification of miracles attributed to their intercession. Carlo Acutis's path to sainthood began in 2013, when the Bishop of Assisi, Italy, where Acutis lived and died, opened the diocesan phase of his cause.
Miracles Attributed to Carlo Acutis
The Vatican recognized Carlo Acutis as performing two miracles. The first miracle was the healing of a Brazilian boy who had a severe birth defect and was healed after his mother prayed to Acutis for intercession. The second miracle involved the healing of a woman in Costa Rica who was suffering from a severe headache and was healed after praying to Acutis.
Reaction to the Canonization
The canonization of Carlo Acutis as the first millennial saint has generated significant interest and excitement among young Catholics. Many see him as a role model and an inspiration for his use of technology to spread Catholic teachings.
Relics and Legacy
After his canonization, Carlo Acutis's body will be displayed for the faithful, and cuttings of his hair will be sent to chosen few as relics. His heart will be stored in a gold box. The legacy of Carlo Acutis is expected to inspire young people to deepen their faith and use technology to spread Catholic teachings.
Implications for the Catholic Church
The canonization of Carlo Acutis as the first millennial saint marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church, as it seeks to connect with younger generations and adapt to the digital age.
Conclusion
The canonization of Carlo Acutis as the first millennial saint is a historic event that has generated significant interest and excitement among Catholics and non-Catholics alike. As the Catholic Church continues to evolve and adapt to the changing world, the legacy of Carlo Acutis is expected to inspire young people and promote the use of technology to spread Catholic teachings.
Future of Carlo Acutis's Legacy
As the news of Carlo Acutis's canonization spreads, many are wondering what the future holds for his legacy. With his message of faith and technology, Carlo Acutis is expected to continue inspiring young people around the world.
Plans for Carlo Acutis's Relics
The relics of Carlo Acutis will be distributed to various churches and shrines around the world, where they will be venerated by the faithful. The heart of Carlo Acutis, which will be stored in a gold box, is expected to become a popular pilgrimage site.
Historical Context
The Catholic Church has a long history of canonizing saints, with the first recorded canonization dating back to the 10th century. The process of canonization has evolved over the centuries, with the Vatican establishing formal procedures for investigating miracles and verifying the virtues of candidates for sainthood.
Significance of Carlo Acutis's Canonization
The canonization of Carlo Acutis is significant not only because he is the first millennial saint but also because it highlights the Catholic Church's efforts to connect with younger generations and adapt to the digital age. As the Church continues to evolve, the legacy of Carlo Acutis is expected to play an important role in shaping its future.