Carlo Acutis, a London-born teen raised in Milan, is set to become the first Millennial saint. Known for his deep Catholic faith and compassion for the poor, Acutis earned the nickname “God’s influencer” due to his use of technology to spread religious teachings. He regularly donated to charity and cooked meals for the homeless during his youth.
Acutis was scheduled for canonization on April 27 by Pope Francis, but the ceremony was postponed following the Pope’s death. Newly elected Pope Leo XIV approved his sainthood this month during his first public consistory, confirming Acutis as one of eight to be canonized.
The teen died of leukemia in 2006 at just 15 years old. Since then, he has been credited with two miracles. In Brazil, a two-year-old boy with a congenital disorder was reportedly healed after a priest touched him with Acutis’ clothing. His mother had prayed for divine intervention.
The second miracle occurred when a Costa Rican woman, Valeria Valverde, recovered from a severe brain hemorrhage following her mother’s prayers at Acutis’ coffin. Doctors later confirmed her complete recovery, with no medical explanation.
Acutis’ body has been preserved at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Italy since his death. His canonization, in progress for nearly 20 years, will take place on September 7. He will be canonized alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, another young Catholic who died while helping others. Acutis’ story symbolizes a bridge between tradition and modern faith in the digital age.