The Vatican has suspended the canonisation ceremony of Carlo Acutis, a young Catholic known for blending deep faith with digital skills, following the death of Pope Francis.
The ceremony, originally scheduled for April 27 in St. Peter’s Square, has been put on hold until further notice.
Carlo Acutis, who died in 2006 at just 15, was admired worldwide for his devotion to the Church and his innovative use of technology to promote Catholic teachings. He became a symbol of faith for a new generation, often referred to as the first potential saint of the millennial era. His work documenting Eucharistic miracles through a website he built continues to inspire young Catholics across the globe.
Born in London in 1991, Carlo moved with his family to Milan, where he developed a deep spiritual life alongside a passion for computers. From a very young age, he showed unusual interest in the Church and regularly attended Mass. By the time he was seven, he was participating in daily services and had already developed a profound connection to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary.
Despite being just a teenager, Carlo displayed wisdom and maturity beyond his years. He balanced his love for coding with a steady prayer life, often seen with a rosary in hand. He once shared that his secret was to “contact Jesus every day,” a phrase that has since resonated with many of his followers.
His path to sainthood advanced rapidly after his beatification in 2020. Earlier this year, Pope Francis approved a second miracle attributed to him—an essential requirement for canonisation. This final step was expected to formally declare Carlo a saint, making him the first from his generation to receive the title.
But the sudden passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday has paused all pending Vatican ceremonies, including this one. According to Church protocol, the election of a new pope must take place before such events can proceed, leaving the date of Acutis’ canonisation uncertain for now.
Carlo’s influence continues to grow, especially among Catholic youth who see in him a relatable role model—someone who lived in the digital age but never lost sight of spiritual values. His life stands as a powerful reminder that faith and modernity can coexist, and that holiness is not limited by age or time.