UPDATE: In a groundbreaking event for the Catholic Church, Carlo Acutis has been canonized as the first “millennial” saint, marking a significant moment in religious history. The ceremony took place on October 15, 2023, presided over by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square, where thousands of young people gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion.
Acutis, who passed away at just 15 years old from leukemia in 2006, was known for his unique ability to engage youth through digital platforms. His efforts to document and promote the Catholic faith online earned him the nickname “God’s influencer.” Acutis’s canonization alongside another young saint, Pier Giorgio Frassatti, signals the Church’s intent to connect with younger generations amid declining engagement.
The Vatican’s decision comes at a critical time when the Church is struggling to maintain credibility, especially following scandals involving clerical abuse. Recent surveys indicate a surge of interest in Catholicism among Gen Z in the United States and Europe, making Acutis’s relatable image particularly impactful. His mother, Antonia Salzano, emphasized that her son’s life serves as a beacon of hope, stating, “Carlo is a message of hope, because Carlo says, ‘Yes, you have to use (the internet) for good.’”
Acutis’s legacy is further bolstered by his innovative website that documented miraculous events related to the Eucharist, garnering a following among young Catholics. His canonization process, usually lengthy and rigorous, was expedited due to the two miracles attributed to his intercession, which were confirmed by the Vatican. The first miracle involved the healing of a Brazilian boy with a serious birth defect, while the second was the recovery of a girl in Costa Rica who suffered a head injury after an accident.
Despite his popularity, the canonization faced criticism from some theologians who argue that Acutis’s approach to miracles promotes a problematic theology. Andrea Grillo, a professor at the Pontifical Athenaeum of Sant’ Anselmo, expressed concern that focusing on miraculous events could misguide young believers. He stated, “A young person who is enthusiastic about the Eucharistic celebration is a beautiful thing, but if he is looking to collect ‘Eucharistic miracles,’ then he is on the wrong track.”
At his burial site in Assisi, where Acutis is displayed in modern attire including jeans and sneakers, a steady stream of visitors, particularly youth, pay their respects. Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino reported nearly a million visitors to the site last year, with expectations of even greater numbers following the canonization.
The Church’s decision to canonize Acutis reflects a broader strategy to engage younger audiences and revitalize faith in a digital age. As Acutis’s mother noted, his mission resonates with a generation navigating the complexities of modern life. “Each one of us is special, there is a call, a mission,” she remarked, underscoring the universal appeal of her son’s story.
With Acutis now recognized as a saint, churches and schools worldwide can officially honor his legacy. This historic event is not just a win for the Church; it represents a hopeful turn towards renewed faith among youth in a rapidly changing world.
As the Church moves forward, all eyes will be on how Acutis’s message inspires the next generation of Catholics. His canonization could very well mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church, one that embraces the digital landscape while fostering genuine connections with young believers.