Pope Leo XIV recently canonised Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old computer prodigy, as the first millennial saint in the Catholic Church, aiming to resonate with the youth and modern technology. The canonisation took place during an open-air Mass at St Peter’s Square, attended by around 80,000 people, including many millennials and young families.
Acutis, who died from leukaemia in 2006, was celebrated for his creative use of technology to share the Catholic faith, particularly through a multilingual website detailing Eucharistic miracles. His devotion and tech-savvy approach earned him the title “God’s Influencer.” During the ceremony, Pope Leo highlighted the significance of both Acutis and another young saint, Pier Giorgio Frassati, explaining how they dedicated their lives to God, creating “masterpieces” from their existence.
Acutis was born into a well-off, albeit casually observant Catholic family, and was deeply religious from a young age. He immersed himself in computer science, mastering programming at an age when few others could. Notably, he limited his video gaming to just an hour weekly, prioritising personal relationships and spiritual reflection, which the Church views as vital in today’s technology-driven world.
After his swift deterioration due to illness, Acutis was buried in Assisi, where he quickly became a figure of pilgrimage for many young Catholics. His tomb, featuring his relaxed attire, has drawn millions seeking inspiration from his life and faith. This canonisation was delayed earlier this year due to the passing of Pope Francis, who championed Acutis’ recognition, believing he could inspire young believers in navigating the complexities of the digital era.
Many young Catholics, like eighth-grader Leo Kowalsky from Chicago, express excitement over Acutis’ canonisation, seeing him as a relatable role model in faith. The Vatican aims to present him as an “ordinary” individual who accomplished extraordinary feats, appealing to a generation that blends spirituality with the digital age.
The popularity of Acutis can be attributed to the Church’s initiative to provide a relatable “saint next door,” a model embodying modern values and technology use among Catholics. His canonisation reflects how traditional church teachings can adapt to contemporary contexts while maintaining core values. Pope Leo, during the canonisation, shared that Acutis serves not only as a saint but also as a symbol of how discipline and spirituality can guide individuals through the evolving digital landscape, making him a timely figure for the Church’s mission.
Alongside Acutis, Frassati, who dedicated himself to charitable work during his short life, was also canonised, further reinforcing the theme of youthful devotion within the Church.