British teenager Carlo Acutis has been officially canonized as a saint by Pope Leo during a ceremony attended by a large crowd of worshippers. The ceremony took place in St. Peter’s Square and marked the first canonization for Pope Leo, who also canonized Pier Giorgio Frassati. The event was initially scheduled earlier in the year but was postponed following the passing of Pope Francis in April.
The Vatican reported that the Mass was attended by 36 cardinals, 270 bishops, and numerous priests, signifying the widespread appeal of the newly declared saints among both the clergy and the general faithful. Acutis, a well-known figure among young Catholics internationally, was praised for his modern approach to spreading the Catholic faith using technology.
Born in London and raised in Milan, the teenager was admired for his relatability and dedication to his beliefs. Despite enjoying typical teenage activities like hiking and video games, Acutis also devoted his time to teaching catechism and assisting the homeless in his local community.
At just 11 years old, Acutis began creating an online exhibition showcasing over 100 eucharistic miracles acknowledged by the Catholic Church throughout history. Tragically, at the age of 15, he succumbed to acute leukemia in 2006. Following his passing, Acutis was honored with the title of “blessed” in 2020 after the Vatican acknowledged a miraculous healing attributed to his intercession.
His journey to sainthood was solidified when a second miracle was attributed to him, involving the complete recovery of a Costa Rican student from severe head trauma after prayers at Acutis’ tomb. Pope Francis actively supported Acutis’ path to sainthood, recognizing the significance of his ability to engage young Catholics in the digital era.
Acknowledging the impact of technology on society, Pope Francis highlighted Acutis’ use of modern communication tools to share the Gospel and promote moral values. The young saint’s legacy continues to inspire millions of faithful followers around the world.