Assisi, Italy – A groundbreaking decision was made at the Vatican on Monday to approve the canonization of Carlo Acutis, a teenager known for his profound impact on spreading the Catholic faith through the early internet. Acutis, often referred to as “God’s influencer” and the “patron saint of the internet,” will become the first millennial saint in the Catholic Church.
Despite his young age, Acutis had a significant influence through his work in cataloging Eucharistic miracles worldwide. His dedication to the Catholic faith, along with his self-taught programming skills, led him to create websites focused on spiritual matters. Additionally, he was known for his acts of kindness towards the homeless and victims of bullying during his lifetime.
The path to sainthood began in 2013 when the Pope approved Acutis’ cause for beatification and canonization, officially naming him “a Servant of God.” This process culminated on Monday as Pope Francis and a group of cardinals granted approval for his canonization, with plans to declare him a saint in 2025, during the church’s jubilee year.
Becoming a saint in the Catholic Church involves a series of steps, starting with being declared “Venerable” by the Pope to recognize a virtuous life. Beatification follows, requiring evidence of a miracle, typically of healing. Canonization demands a second miracle post-beatification, a requirement that Acutis fulfilled.
Acutis was beatified in October 2020 after heaven’s intercession was credited to saving the life of a Brazilian child in 2013. Another miracle involving a girl from Costa Rica was attributed to him earlier this year, marking the final step towards canonization. Acutis’ mother expressed both joy and hope upon the second miracle’s approval, underscoring the significance of his journey to sainthood.
Born in London to Italian parents in 1991, Acutis’ passion for Catholicism and technology converged as he documented Eucharistic miracles globally. His website, featuring over 150 miracles in multiple languages, served as a tool for religious education and evangelization, reflecting his innovative approach to modern technology for spiritual purposes.
Acutis’ legacy extends beyond the internet, as he enjoyed gaming, playing the saxophone, and engaging in various hobbies before his untimely death from leukemia in 2006. His body, now enshrined in a prominent church in Rome, continues to draw thousands of visitors, reflecting the enduring impact of his devotion and technological contributions to the Catholic Church.