On Sunday, Carlo Acutis, a British-born Italian boy who succumbed to leukemia in 2006, will be canonized as the first Catholic saint of the millennial generation.
At just 15 years old, Carlo passed away but not before using his skills in computer coding to create websites aimed at sharing his faith. His journey has resonated with many young Catholics, leading him to be honored alongside figures such as Mother Teresa and St. Francis of Assisi.
This canonization ceremony, initially scheduled for April, was delayed following the passing of Pope Francis. Now, Pope Leo XIV, who took the papacy in May, is set to lead this significant event for the first time.
Leo will also canonize Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Italian known for his charitable works during the polio crisis of the 1920s.
Antonia Salzano, Carlo’s mother, shared with Reuters that her son’s ability to connect with Catholic youth came from his relatability as a typical teen in the 2000s.
“Carlo was just a regular kid. He played, made friends, and attended school. What set him apart was his faith and how he made Jesus a priority in his life,” she said.
She further stated, “He wanted to spread the message of hope and the faith in an afterlife, emphasizing that we are all on a pilgrimage in this world.”
Being recognized as a saint signifies the church’s belief that the individual led a holy life and is now in heaven.
Many visitors are expected to touch the glass of Carlo’s tomb located at Santa Maria Maggiore Church in Assisi, Italy, which has become a meaningful pilgrimage site.
Other young saints include Therese of Lisieux, who passed away in 1897 at 24, and is celebrated for her simple acts of charity, and Aloysius Gonzaga, who died in 1591 at 23 after caring for plague victims.
Carlo’s remains were moved to the church in Assisi, fulfilling his wish to be laid to rest near the birthplace of St. Francis, and have since attracted thousands of daily visitors seeking to pray and honor him.
