Catholic figurehead Pope Leo XIV formally declares the inaugural millennial as a saint within the Catholic faith.
Pope Francis to Canonize Carlo Acutis, the "Patron Saint of the Internet," on September 7
Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian boy who died in 2006 due to complications from leukemia, is set to join the ranks of saints such as Mother Teresa and Francis of Assisi. The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will conduct the canonization ceremony for Carlo Acutis on September 7, 2025, in St. Peter's Square.
Known as the "patron saint of the internet" and "God's influencer" by Western media outlets, Carlo Acutis' life and death story have captivated Catholic youth. He was a prolific computer coder, creating numerous Catholic websites during his short life.
The process for Carlo Acutis' potential canonization began with the recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession. In 2020, the Vatican declared him blessed (beatified). A 4-year-old boy in Brazil with a severe congenital pancreatic condition was healed, and it is credited to Carlo Acutis' intercession. Similarly, a 21-year-old woman in Costa Rica who was severely injured in a bicycle accident was also healed, and it is attributed to his intercession.
The announcement of these miracles was reported by Reuters on September 4, further supporting Carlo Acutis' status as the "patron saint of the internet" and "God's influencer." The responsibility for carrying out the canonization ceremony lies with Pope Leo XIV.
The ceremony is expected to attract tens of thousands of laypeople, as people from all over the world come together to celebrate the life and legacy of Carlo Acutis. The canonization of Carlo Acutis will mark a significant milestone, making him the first Catholic saint from the millennial generation.
As Pope Francis prepares to preside over the ceremony, the world eagerly awaits the official recognition of Carlo Acutis as a saint, joining the ranks of other beloved figures in the Catholic Church.
