Carlo Acutis, a devout Catholic teenager known as “God’s influencer,” is set to become the first millennial saint, drawing thousands of faithful to Assisi’s Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. Born in London in 1991 and raised in Milan, Carlo was deeply committed to his faith from an early age.
He had a particular devotion to the Eucharist and used his computer skills to document Eucharistic miracles on a website he created. Despite his young age, he dedicated his life to helping others, frequently ministering to the homeless and hungry in his city.
The Life and Legacy of Carlo Acutis
Carlo’s life was tragically cut short when he was diagnosed with acute leukemia at the age of 15. He died on October 12, 2006, but his impact continued to grow, inspiring millions through his digital evangelism and acts of charity.
His devotion to his faith and selfless service led many to believe that he had lived a life of “heroic virtue,” a key criterion for sainthood. In recognition of his piety and dedication, Carlo Acutis was beatified by the Vatican in October 2020.
The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Assisi, where Carlo’s body has been preserved, has become a significant pilgrimage site. Adorers from around the world flock to the church to pray and witness the encased remains of the teenager who touched so many lives.
The medieval town of Assisi, already a sacred site due to its association with St. Francis, now hosts thousands who wish to honor Carlo’s memory and seek his intercession.
The Miracles Leading to His Canonization
A crucial step in the path to sainthood involves the verification of miracles attributed to the candidate’s intercession. In Carlo’s case, the Vatican recognized two miraculous healings.
The first was the inexplicable recovery of a six-year-old Brazilian boy who suffered from a rare pancreatic disease. The boy’s condition was dire, but after touching a relic of Carlo Acutis, he experienced a sudden and complete recovery. The Vatican’s approval of this miracle led to Carlo’s beatification in 2020.
📹VIDEO | The body of Blessed Carlo Acutis is exposed in Assisi, Italy, and even though authorities within the Catholic Church have said the body is not incorrupt, his almost intact appearance is astounding. Future Saint Carlo Acutis, pray for us! pic.twitter.com/97I0BTq97K
— EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican) May 23, 2024
The second miracle, which paved the way for his upcoming canonization, involved a young Costa Rican woman named Valeria. In 2022, she suffered severe head trauma after falling from her bicycle in Florence. Doctors believed her chances of survival were minimal, but her mother, desperate for divine intervention, traveled to Assisi to pray at Carlo’s tomb.
In an astonishing turn of events, Valeria began to show signs of recovery a week later, regaining partial speech and movement. A subsequent CAT scan revealed that her hemorrhage had disappeared, defying medical explanations. This remarkable healing was recognized by the Vatican in May 2024, officially confirming Carlo’s sainthood.
The process of canonization in the Catholic Church is rigorous, requiring clear evidence of miraculous interventions. Carlo’s swift rise to sainthood is extraordinary, as the process usually takes decades or even centuries.
His canonization is set to take place during the church’s Jubilee of Teenagers between April 25 and April 27, a fitting tribute to a young man who devoted his life to faith and digital evangelism.
Pilgrims and Global Interest in His Canonization
Since the announcement of his canonization, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Assisi has been overwhelmed with visitors eager to pay their respects.
Devotees from around the world travel to Assisi to witness the preserved body of Carlo, which lies encased in a glass tomb. Clad in a tracksuit and sneakers, his wax-encased remains serve as a symbol of modern sainthood, bridging the gap between tradition and contemporary youth.
The impact of Carlo’s legacy extends beyond his physical presence in Assisi. His story has resonated with young Catholics, particularly those who engage with faith through digital platforms.
Dubbed “God’s influencer,” Carlo’s online efforts to document Eucharistic miracles continue to inspire a new generation of believers. His canonization marks a significant moment in the Catholic Church, demonstrating how technology and faith can intertwine to spread religious devotion.
Shops in Assisi have begun selling mementos and souvenirs bearing Carlo’s image, further cementing his role as a modern religious icon.
The influx of visitors has also brought economic benefits to the town, with local businesses witnessing increased activity due to the growing pilgrimage. As the date of his official canonization approaches, interest in Carlo’s story continues to grow, reinforcing his status as a symbol of faith for the digital age.
His request to be buried in Assisi, inspired by his admiration for St. Francis, highlights his deep spiritual connection to the town. The presence of his heart in a reliquary at the St. Francis Basilica further solidifies his link to one of Catholicism’s most revered saints.
With his sainthood officially recognized, Carlo Acutis is poised to leave an enduring legacy, not just as a saint but as a guiding figure for young believers navigating faith in the modern world.