Unveiling the Identity of the Digital Evangelist, Carlos Acutis

Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager born in 1991 in London, has become a beacon of faith for many. Known for his deep Catholic faith and passion for computers, he documented Eucharistic miracles on his website and passed away from leukemia at 15 in 2006.

A decade and a half after his death, Acutis' mortal remains are on display in a glass coffin in the church of Assisi, Italy. Thousands of believers pilgrimage to Assisi daily to see him, with over a million visitors in 2024. This digital apostle, who used the internet to promote faith and help the poor, was beatified by Pope Francis and canonized as a saint by Pope Leo XIV in 2025, making him the first millennial saint in the Catholic Church.

Acutis' canonization was a significant event, not just for the Catholic Church, but for the world. Hundreds of thousands of people, including many young individuals, attended his canonization in Rome. His global following is massive, and he is considered a role model in matters of faith by many.

However, not everyone shares the same enthusiasm. Theology professor Oliver Wintzek views the Acutis hype skeptically, considering it a fad. He believes the Catholic Church is using the cult around Acutis as a marketing strategy to appeal to young people. Yet, Wintzek doubts that this marketing strategy will bring back traditional forms of piety in the Catholic Church.

One of the reasons for Acutis' appeal is his relatable image. Dressed in jeans, sneakers, and a training jacket, he seems approachable and appealing to young people. This is evident in the promotion of Acutis on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and others.

Another significant event in Acutis' journey to sainthood was the healing of a Brazilian boy in 2010. Suffering from a pancreatic disease, the boy is said to have been healed after touching a relic of Acutis. This miraculous healing played a crucial role in his beatification and subsequent canonization.

Since his beatification, Acutis' heart has been traveling the world in a relic case, including a 2024 exhibition in Cologne. Despite the silicone mask covering his face and his hands made of silicone due to the decomposition of his body, Acutis continues to inspire and captivate the hearts of millions.

In the same event where Acutis was canonized, Pier Giorgio Frassati, another candidate, was also canonized. Frassati was a social activist who dedicated his life to helping the poor and the sick. Both Acutis and Frassati serve as powerful examples of faith, service, and the power of the internet in spreading the message of the Catholic Church.

In conclusion, Carlo Acutis' life and journey to sainthood serve as a testament to the power of faith, the reach of the internet, and the enduring appeal of a humble and dedicated individual. Despite the skepticism of some, his impact on the Catholic Church and the world at large is undeniable.