Carlo Acutis, a teenager who passed away from leukemia in 2006 at the young age of 15, is poised to become the first millennial saint. Pope Francis recently cleared the final hurdle, giving the go-ahead for Acutis’ canonization.
Acutis’ story is unique. Nicknamed “God’s influencer” for his innovative use of technology to spread his faith, he built a website to document Eucharistic miracles and the lives of saints. His devout following across the globe propelled his cause for sainthood forward at an unprecedented pace.
Sainthood in the Catholic Church requires verification of two miracles attributed to the potential saint’s intercession. In May 2024, after meticulous investigation, Pope Francis recognized a second miracle linked to Acutis’ prayers.
The first miracle, in 2020, involved the healing of a Brazilian boy born with a pancreatic defect. The second involved a young woman from Costa Rica who reportedly recovered from a severe head injury after her mother prayed at Acutis’ tomb in Assisi.
With the final hurdle cleared by the Pope, the Vatican announced his approval for Acutis’ canonization alongside 14 others, following endorsement from the College of Cardinals.
While an official date for the ceremony hasn’t been set, it’s expected to coincide with the Catholic Church’s jubilee celebrations in 2025. This news marks a significant moment for the Church, signifying the potential for sainthood in the digital age.
