Thousands flocking to the Vatican for millennial saint's revered coronation ceremony.
Pope Leo XIV Canonizes First Millennial Saint Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, St. Peter's Square played host to a historic event as Pope Leo XIV canonized Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, marking the first time both individuals were elevated to sainthood.
Tens of thousands of people gathered at the Vatican for the momentous occasion, with many holding flags from different countries or images of Carlo Acutis, who is often referred to as "God's Influencer" or "cyber-apostle."
Carlo Acutis, a young Italian boy who died of leukaemia in 2006 at the age of 15, was officially proclaimed a saint by Pope Leo XIV during the mass. His body lies in a glass-walled tomb in Assisi.
In a video published by the Assisi diocese on Sept. 6, Antonia Salzano, Carlo's mother, expressed her gratitude for those attending the ceremony. She said, "My son was proof that 'we are all called to be saints... everyone is special.'"
Pier Giorgio Frassati, an Italian layman, was also made a saint during the ceremony. Both their tapestries were displayed on the facade of St. Peter's Basilica.
The mass was also being watched by faithful on giant screens in Assisi, with around 800 people arriving on a special train from the town for the event.
Pope Leo XIV, in his remarks ahead of the mass, expressed his happiness at seeing so many young people in attendance. The ceremony took place during his papacy, making it the first such ceremony for him.
The canonization ceremony was initially set for April but was postponed when Pope Francis passed away. The event took place in St Peter's Square, with the pope and the two new saints drawing admiration and inspiration from the gathered crowd.
Carlo Acutis' life and work continue to inspire people around the world, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on as the Church's first millennial saint.
