In a landmark move, Pope Francis has officially recognized a miracle attributed to Blessed Carlo Acutis, paving the way for the 15-year-old Italian teenager to become the first millennial saint. During a meeting on May 23 with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, head of the Dicastery for Saints’ Causes, the Pope signed decrees advancing the sainthood causes of Acutis and seven other individuals.
The Vatican’s announcement on May 23 detailed that Pope Francis will convene a consistory to set the date for the canonization of Acutis along with other prospective saints, including Blesseds Giuseppe Allamano; Marie-Léonie Paradis of Québec, Canada; Elena Guerra; and eleven martyrs from Damascus, Syria, in 1860.
Born in London in 1991 to Italian parents, Carlo Acutis moved to Milan as an infant. He showcased remarkable talents in digital technology from a young age, creating websites for his school, local parish, and even the Pontifical Academy “Cultorum Martyrum.” One of his significant contributions was an online database documenting Eucharistic miracles worldwide.
Carlo was more than a tech prodigy. He volunteered at a soup kitchen, supported the poor, helped children with their homework, and enjoyed playing the saxophone, soccer, and video games. His devotion to his faith was profound, as evidenced by his daily prayers, devotion to the Eucharist, and his commitment to living a life close to Jesus.
Diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia, Carlo passed away on October 12, 2006. His faith remained unwavering until the end, famously stating, “I’m happy to die because I’ve lived my life without wasting even a minute of it doing things that wouldn’t have pleased God.” His remains were moved to Assisi, fulfilling his wish to be in the city of St. Francis, and are now housed at the Shrine of the Renunciation.
In 2020, Pope Francis recognized a miracle attributed to Carlo’s intercession, leading to his beatification later that year. Carlo’s beatification attracted thousands of pilgrims, a testament to his enduring influence.
The recent miracle attributed to Carlo, recognized by Pope Francis on May 23, involved the recovery of a young woman from Costa Rica who suffered a severe head injury in 2022. After emergency surgery and grave prognoses, her recovery began following prayers to Blessed Acutis. This event, coupled with previous recognized miracles, solidifies Carlo’s path to sainthood.
Pope Francis has urged young people to draw inspiration from Carlo Acutis’ life, emphasizing his use of digital skills for evangelization and his dedication to prayer, faith, and charity. Carlo’s life, characterized by his passion for Jesus and his efforts to spread love and faith through the internet, serves as a modern blueprint for living a devout and impactful Christian life.
