Pope Leo XIV officially declared Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old from London, a saint, making him the first millennial recognized by the Catholic Church.
The canonization ceremony took place in St. Peter’s Square and was attended by roughly 80,000 people, including young families and followers of the digital generation.
Born in 1991 and raised in Milan, Acutis combined his faith with technology. He built a website documenting Eucharistic miracles worldwide, making religious history accessible to people online.
His efforts earned him the nickname “God’s Influencer,” as he used modern tools to share Catholic teachings and inspire devotion among young audiences.
Acutis passed away from leukemia in 2006 at age 15. Since then, his relics have been displayed in Assisi, drawing visitors from around the globe.
His canonization followed the recognition of two miracles attributed to his intercession, including healings reported in Brazil and Costa Rica.
The ceremony had been postponed earlier in the year after Pope Francis passed away in April.
Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded him, led the canonization, honoring Acutis’s dedication to faith and innovation.
Acutis’s life is seen as a bridge between tradition and modernity, offering a relatable example for young people in the digital age.
His work continues to inspire those who want to combine faith with technology, showing that devotion can take new forms in today’s connected world.