Carlo Acutis to be Canonized as First Millennial Saint in Rome

On Sunday, September 7, 2025, Carlo Acutis will be canonized as the first Catholic saint of the millennial generation. Born in London and raised in Italy, Acutis passed away from leukemia in 2006 at just 15 years old. Known for his technical prowess, he utilized his skills to create websites that shared his Christian faith, earning him the title of “God’s Influencer.”

The canonization ceremony will take place in Vatican City, led by Pope Leo XIV. Originally scheduled for April 2025, the event was postponed following the death of Pope Francis. Tens of thousands of people are expected to gather in Rome to witness this significant moment in the Catholic Church.

A Life of Faith and Innovation

Acutis’s life was marked by a blend of ordinary childhood experiences and an extraordinary dedication to spirituality. His mother, Antonia, reflected on his life, stating, “Carlo was an ordinary child who had lived the same kind of life as others who were teenagers in the 2000s.” She highlighted his commitment to putting Jesus first, which drove him to use technology as a means of evangelization.

His efforts to promote the Gospel through the internet resonate with many young people today, as Acutis demonstrated how modern tools can be employed for spiritual purposes. Acutis’s final wish was to be buried in Assisi, where his body was laid to rest in 2019, drawing pilgrims from around the globe to his tomb.

A Celebration of Youth and Faith

The ceremony will also mark the canonization of another young Italian, Pier Giorgio Frassati, who died from polio in the 1920s. Frassati was renowned for his compassion and dedication to helping those in need. The simultaneous canonization of these two figures symbolizes the Church’s commitment to uplifting young role models and their impact on society.

The event is set to coincide with the Church’s Jubilee of Teenagers, further emphasizing the significance of youth in the Catholic faith. Pope Leo XIV will preside over this momentous occasion, representing a new chapter for the Catholic Church. The anticipation surrounding this event reflects the growing connection between faith and the younger generation.

In a recent incident that captured public attention, a lock of Acutis’s hair, kept as a relic, went missing during a vocations event in Dublin. The priest hosting the stall, Father Bryan Shortall, described the disappearance as inadvertent, noting that it caused a stir among attendees.

As the Church prepares for this historic day, Acutis’s legacy continues to inspire many, bridging the gap between traditional faith and modern technology. His story serves as a reminder that even the youngest among us can leave a lasting impact on the world.