In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Carlo Acutis, the teenager dubbed “God’s Influencer,” has been canonized as its first Millennial Saint, marking a new era of digital sanctity. The canonization ceremony, held on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, drew an estimated 80,000 pilgrims, predominantly young people and families, eager to witness the elevation of a peer into sainthood.
A Saint for the Digital Age
Carlo Acutis, born in London in 1991 and raised in Milan, passed away at the young age of 15 in 2006 due to leukemia. However, his short life left an indelible mark, primarily through his innovative use of technology to spread Catholic teachings. According to Vatican News, Acutis created a multilingual website cataloging Eucharistic miracles around the world, earning him the title “God’s Influencer” or “cyber-apostle.” This digital evangelization resonated deeply with young people, making him a relatable and inspiring figure.
The Canonization Ceremony
The solemn canonization Mass was led by Pope Leo XIV, marking his first saint-making Mass since assuming the papacy. As reported by The Guardian, Acutis was canonized alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, another young Italian known for his charitable works who died in 1925. People.com noted that Acutis’s parents and siblings were present, with his younger brother, Michele, delivering one of the readings during the Mass. Pope Leo XIV emphasized in his homily, as quoted by Al Jazeera, the importance of not wasting life but directing it towards God’s plan, echoing Acutis’s own famous sentiment.
Miracles and Sainthood
Acutis’s path to sainthood was paved by the recognition of two miracles attributed to his intercession. The first miracle, verified in 2020 and reported by Britannica, involved the healing of a Brazilian boy suffering from a rare pancreatic malformation. The second, approved in 2024, concerned the recovery of a Costa Rican university student who sustained a severe head injury in a bicycle accident. India Today highlighted the rigorous investigation process the Catholic Church undertakes to validate miracles, ensuring they are scientifically inexplicable and directly linked to the intercession of the potential saint.
Impact and Legacy: Embracing Digital Sanctity
The canonization of Carlo Acutis is seen as a strategic move by the Catholic Church to connect with the younger generation and embrace the digital age. As The Washington Post reports, the Church is actively promoting Acutis as a relatable “saint next door,” someone who embodies both profound faith and technological savvy. His life serves as a model for how Catholics can engage with the digital world responsibly and use it to promote traditional spirituality.
A Modern Icon
Acutis’s immense popularity is evident in the millions of young Catholics who flock to his tomb in Assisi, where he is entombed in his casual attire of jeans, Nike sneakers, and a sweatshirt. Sky News detailed the wide array of merchandise bearing his image, from action figures to phone stickers, demonstrating his status as a modern icon within the Church. CBS News reported on the surge in online searches for “Carlo Acutis” following the canonization announcement, indicating a growing interest in his life and teachings. Even Wikipedia editors have been working overtime to update his page with the latest information.
The Enduring Message
Carlo Acutis’s story is a powerful reminder that holiness can be found in the everyday, even in the digital realm. His canonization underscores the Church’s recognition of the importance of engaging with contemporary culture while remaining grounded in traditional values. As Pope Leo XIV stated, according to The Independent, Acutis’s life is an invitation to young people to “not to squander our lives, but to direct them upwards and make them masterpieces.” Acutis’s legacy as “God’s Influencer” will continue to inspire countless individuals to use their talents, including technology, to spread the Gospel and live lives of faith and purpose.
