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The Vatican is gearing up for a historic moment as it prepares to canonize Carlo Acutis, known as the “patron of the internet,” on September 7, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square. The young Italian-British teenager, who passed away at 15 in 2006 due to leukemia, will become the first millennial saint, recognized for his deep Catholic faith and innovative use of technology for evangelization. The ceremony, led by Pope Leo XIV, marks the first canonization under the new pontiff, who was elected in May following the death of Pope Francis. A large image of Acutis, displayed on the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica, signals the preparations for the event, which also includes the release of a commemorative stamp. Two miracles, one occurring in Campo Grande, Brazil, have been attributed to his intercession, paving the way for his sainthood. The date aligns with Brazil’s Independence Day, strengthening ties with the country where Acutis is widely revered.
Carlo Acutis’ life, blending spirituality and technology, resonates with young Catholics worldwide. Born in London on May 3, 1991, he grew up in Milan, where he developed a profound devotion to the Virgin Mary and the Eucharist. His exceptional computer skills led him to create a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions at age 11, an initiative that gained global recognition. Even while battling leukemia, Acutis remained steadfast, offering his suffering for the Church and the pope.
Key milestones in Carlo Acutis’ lifeBorn in London in 1991, moved to Milan during childhood.Created a website on Eucharistic miracles, launched in 2004.Diagnosed with leukemia in 2006, passed away that year at 15.Beatified in 2020 after a miracle was recognized in Brazil.A journey of faith and technology
Carlo Acutis’ life exemplifies how faith can thrive in modern contexts. From a young age, he attended daily Mass, prayed the Rosary, and engaged in Eucharistic adoration. His mother, Antonia Salzano, notes that despite being an ordinary teenager with friends and hobbies like video games, Acutis prioritized his relationship with God. He limited his gaming time to one hour per week to stay focused on his spiritual mission. His self-taught computer skills amazed teachers and peers, earning him the nickname “genius of computing.”
Acutis’ website, titled “Eucharistic Miracles,” documented 136 miracles recognized by the Catholic Church, a project that involved his family and was completed days before his death. Translated into multiple languages, the platform became the basis for traveling exhibitions, including one at the Church of St. Charles Borromeo in Rome and another at his school, the Leo XIII Institute in Milan. His dedication to digital evangelization earned him the title “God’s influencer.”
Carlo Acutis – Adrian Tusar / Shutterstock.comMiracles paving the path to sainthood
Two extraordinary events were pivotal for Acutis’ canonization. The first miracle, recognized in 2019, took place in Campo Grande, Brazil, on October 12, 2010, during a Mass honoring Our Lady of Aparecida. A child named Matheus, suffering from annular pancreas—a rare condition preventing food intake—was healed after his grandfather touched a relic of Acutis, a cloth bearing traces of his blood. Father Marcelo Tenório, from St. Sebastian Parish, reported that the child, previously frail, began eating normally after the event.
The second miracle, confirmed in May 2024, involved Valeria Valverde, a 21-year-old Costa Rican woman. In 2022, she suffered a severe bicycle accident in Florence, Italy, resulting in a traumatic brain injury that left her in a coma with little chance of survival. Her mother made a pilgrimage to Acutis’ tomb in Assisi, leaving a note requesting his intercession. Days later, Valeria showed an inexplicable recovery with no lasting impairments, later visiting Acutis’ tomb in September 2022.
Details of miracles attributed to Carlo AcutisHealing of Matheus in 2010 in Campo Grande from a rare pancreatic condition.Recovery of Valeria in 2022 from a coma after a bicycle accident in Florence.Both cases were thoroughly investigated and validated by the Vatican.Miracles have fueled global devotion to the young beato.Legacy of a young saint
Acutis’ canonization highlights his influence among young people, who see him as an approachable model of holiness. Beyond his online evangelization, he practiced charity, donating his allowance to the poor and distributing food and clothing to the homeless. During his funeral in 2006, many he had helped attended, including youths who had drifted from the Church. His motto, “Not me, but God,” encapsulates his humility and commitment.
His body, exhumed in 2019 and preserved with conservation techniques, is displayed at the Sanctuary of the Spoliation in Assisi, drawing thousands of pilgrims. The Vatican clarified that the visible face is a silicone mask, crafted to inspire reflection. The relic, including a cloth with his blood, remains a focal point of devotion, particularly in Brazil.
Preparations for the canonization
The September 7, 2025, ceremony will be a milestone for the Catholic Church, aiming to connect with youth in an increasingly digital world. Pope Leo XIV will lead the event in St. Peter’s Square, also canonizing Pier Giorgio Frassati, another young figure known for his charity. The Vatican issued a special stamp featuring Acutis on a hike at Mount Subasio, a site tied to St. Francis of Assisi.
The canonization date aligns with Brazil’s Independence Day, reinforcing Acutis’ connection to the country. His image on St. Peter’s Basilica symbolizes the blend of tradition and modernity. The event will be broadcast globally, with screens set up in Assisi to accommodate pilgrims. The Church hopes Acutis’ canonization will inspire new generations to follow his example of using technology for faith.
Elements of the canonization ceremonyMass in St. Peter’s Square, presided by Pope Leo XIV.Release of a commemorative stamp featuring Acutis.Global broadcast and screens in Assisi for pilgrims.Joint canonization with Pier Giorgio Frassati.Global influence and devotion
Carlo Acutis’ popularity transcends borders, particularly among young Catholics. In the UK, a parish named Blessed Carlo Acutis was established in Wolverhampton in 2020, and a statue was erected at Carfin Grotto in Motherwell. His story resonates in Latin America, where the Campo Grande miracle made him a beloved figure. During the 2023 World Youth Day in Lisbon, Acutis was named a patron, underscoring his relevance to today’s youth.
Antonia Salzano, his mother, emphasizes that her son was an ordinary teenager with an extraordinary faith. He wore jeans and sneakers, played games like Pokémon and Halo, but always put God first. This blend of everyday life and profound spirituality makes him a unique role model for young people seeking purpose in a connected world.
Global impact of Carlo AcutisPatron of the 2023 World Youth Day in Lisbon.Dedicated parish and statue in the UK.Growing devotion in Latin America, especially Brazil.Inspiration for young Catholics in digital spaces.Connection to Brazil
Acutis’ bond with Brazil is rooted in the 2010 miracle and his death on October 12, the feast of Our Lady of Aparecida, Brazil’s patroness. The relic displayed in Campo Grande, brought by Father Marcelo Tenório, has become a symbol of hope for Brazilian faithful. Matheus’ healing, widely publicized, drew attention to Acutis’ story, despite him never visiting the country. Annual Masses in his honor continue to gather devotees in Mato Grosso do Sul.
The canonization strengthens this connection, with Brazil expecting significant pilgrim participation. The alignment with Independence Day adds symbolic weight, tying Acutis’ faith to national identity. Seen as a powerful intercessor, he continues to inspire Brazilian Catholics.
Carlo Acutis’ ties to Brazil2010 miracle in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul.Death on October 12, feast of Our Lady of Aparecida.Relic displayed annually at St. Sebastian Parish.Growing devotion among Brazilian youth.
