Holy Influencers Speak Out on Divine Guidance by Pope - Influencer granted divine approval by the Pope as a divine figure
New Saint Carlo Acutis: The Digital Apostle
Pope Leo XVI has declared Italian teenager Carlo Acutis a saint, making him the latest addition to the Catholic Church's roster of saints. Acutis, who passed away at the tender age of 15 from leukemia in 2006, is now being venerated throughout the Church.
The Catholic Church recognises over 10,000 saints, with the Virgin Mary and almost all the apostles being among them. Acutis' life, marked by his dedication to his faith, has been considered exemplary by the Church. The process of his beatification and canonization took less than 20 years, a remarkable speed in Church terms.
The canonization of Acutis and another Italian, Pier Giorgio Frassati, dates back to Pope Francis' pontificate. Frassati, who died in 1925, was known for his dedication to the poor and marginalized. The Vatican refers to Acutis as the "Cyber-Apostle" and "Influencer of God" due to his promotion of his faith on the internet.
The Church attributes two miracles to Acutis after his death, one in Brazil and another in Italy. These miracles, as per the Vatican, are key in declaring him a saint. Acutis' body is displayed in a church in the Italian town of Assisi, where he was born. Last year, more than a million people visited his body.
The relics of the two new saints were brought to the altar during the Mass. Among the participants were Acutis' parents and siblings, a rare occurrence in a canonization ceremony. Two larger-than-life images of the new saints hung on the facade of St. Peter's Basilica.
The process of beatification and canonization follows a complex, multi-stage procedure. Critics argue that a personality cult has already developed around Acutis. However, the Church sees him as the model of a young Christian who dedicated his life to God.
Souvenirs of Acutis are now sold in the souvenir shops of Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis. His relics have also been exhibited in Germany. Acutis' words were cheered by tens of thousands at an open-air Mass on St. Peter's Square.
The Catholic Church aims to make itself more appealing to young people with this move. The Church sees Acutis as a modern-day example of faith and devotion, appealing to the digital generation. His story serves as a testament to the power of faith in the digital age.
