In brief
Pope Leo XIV declared that Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, will be canonized on September 7 after a previous postponement. Acutis, who died from leukemia at just 15, gained fame for his digital advocacy of the Eucharist and for his charitable kindness. His appeal among young believers, especially teenagers, has surged since his beatification in 2020, drawing thousands of pilgrims to his tomb. Additionally, Pier Giorgio Frassati, a notable figure from a century ago, will be canonized in the same ceremony at St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Leo XIV confirmed on Friday that Carlo Acutis, the London-born Italian teenager known for his tech-savvy ways and referred to as “God’s influencer,” will be canonized on September 7. This momentous event marks Acutis as the first saint of the millennial generation. The original canonization date was set for April 27 but was postponed following the unexpected death of Pope Francis.At just 15 years old, Carlo Acutis passed away in 2006 from leukemia, leaving behind a legacy that couples his passion for technology with deep spirituality. Described by biographers and supporters as highly intelligent, Carlo was not just a typical teenager—he integrated his faith into everyday life by attending church daily, creating a website dedicated to Eucharistic miracles, and engaging in numerous acts of kindness.The beatification of Carlo in 2020 set the stage for his rapid path to sainthood, a notable feat taking only 19 years since his death—significantly shorter than the historical average of 262 years for canonization. His tomb in Assisi has become a pilgrimage site particularly popular among youth, drawing worshippers during the Jubilee of Teenagers, an event coinciding with the upcoming canonization.In the same announcement, Pope Leo XIV also decreed that Pier Giorgio Frassati, a Christian figure who died at the young age of 24, will be canonized alongside Acutis. Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, head of the Vatican’s saints department, praised Frassati as a model of Christian living. The joint ceremony for Acutis and Frassati is set to occur in the iconic St. Peter’s Square, further placing young faith figures at the forefront of the Church’s outreach.
