An Italian teenager known as “God’s Influencer” for his innovative use of technology to spread the Catholic faith is set to become the first saint of the millennial generation, the Vatican announced Thursday. Carlo Acutis, who passed away from leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15, has been recognized for his extraordinary contributions to the Church, particularly through his digital evangelization efforts.
Born in London and raised in Milan, Acutis was a devout Catholic who used his computer skills to manage his parish’s website and create an online database of Eucharistic miracles from around the world. His dedication to his faith and his innovative use of technology earned him widespread admiration and the informal title of “God’s Influencer.”
Acutis was beatified in 2020 after the Vatican attributed a miracle to his intercession. In this first miracle, he was credited with healing a Brazilian child suffering from a congenital pancreatic disease. On Thursday, Pope Francis recognized a second miracle attributed to Acutis, involving the healing of a university student in Florence who had suffered a brain bleed following head trauma. This recognition paves the way for Acutis to be canonized as a saint.
The Vatican has not yet announced the date for Acutis’ canonization, but his elevation to sainthood is eagerly anticipated by many Catholics around the world. Acutis’ body, which was moved to Assisi a year after his death, is on display alongside other relics linked to him. He was also named a patron of last year’s World Youth Day in Lisbon, highlighting his significant role in evangelization through the internet.
Pope Francis also advanced the sainthood causes for six men and a woman, but Acutis’ case stands out due to his unique position as a millennial and his use of modern technology to spread the Catholic faith. Vatican journalist Courtney Mares, author of “Blessed Carlo Acutis: A Saint in Sneakers,” expressed the joy felt by many Catholics at the news of Acutis’ impending canonization. She noted that Acutis’ life provides a concrete example of what sanctity can look like in the 21st century.
Acutis’ dedication to his faith was evident from a young age. He attended daily Mass and was deeply committed to prayer and the sacraments. His passion for the Eucharist led him to create a website documenting Eucharistic miracles, which he believed could help people recognize the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and encourage them to return to Mass.
Katie McGrady, author and host of “The Katie McGrady Show” on Sirius XM’s The Catholic Channel, shared her admiration for Acutis. She highlighted his desire to evangelize using the internet and his ability to connect with people through modern means. McGrady also noted the relatability of Acutis’ life, as he grew up in the same cultural context as many millennials, enjoying similar pop culture experiences.
The process of canonization in the Catholic Church involves several steps, beginning with the recognition of a person’s holy life and the approval of miracles attributed to their intercession. Acutis’ first miracle was recognized in 2020, leading to his beatification. The second miracle, involving the healing of a young woman from Costa Rica who suffered a severe head injury in a bike accident, has now been recognized, allowing for his canonization.
The young woman, Valeria, experienced a remarkable recovery after her mother prayed at Acutis’ tomb in Assisi. Despite the severity of her injuries, Valeria began to breathe on her own the day after her mother’s visit and made a full recovery, requiring only a week of rehabilitation. This miraculous healing was attributed to Acutis’ intercession, further solidifying his path to sainthood.
While the exact date of Acutis’ canonization has not been announced, it could coincide with the anniversary of his death in October. His canonization will mark a significant moment for the Catholic Church, as he becomes the first millennial saint, offering a modern example of holiness and the potential for digital evangelization.
Acutis’ life and legacy continue to inspire many, demonstrating the power of faith and the potential for using technology to spread religious messages. His upcoming canonization is a testament to his impact on the Church and his enduring influence as “God’s Influencer.”
Source: CBS News, BBC News, Reuters, Fox News Digital
