Carlo Acutis is set to make history as the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint during a solemn canonization Mass on April 27 in the iconic St. Peter’s Square. Even now, countless pilgrims are making their way to Assisi, Italy, where his body, dressed in sneakers, jeans, and a sweatshirt, rests in a beautifully dedicated shrine.

Who Was Carlo Acutis?

Born on May 3, 1991, in London to a well-off Italian family, Carlo Acutis spent most of his life in Milan. His profound spiritual journey began at the tender age of 7 when he made his First Communion, leading him to partake in daily Mass, recite the rosary, and engage in eucharistic adoration with fervor.

Despite his youthful spirit—enjoying hiking, video games, and joking with friends—Carlo’s heart was also deeply committed to faith. He taught catechism in his parish and extended his compassion through outreach to the homeless, embodying a true Christian spirit.

Acutis was also a tech-savvy innovator; he utilized his knowledge to create an online exhibit highlighting over 100 eucharistic miracles recognized by the Church throughout history. His work emphasized the belief in the real presence of Christ in consecrated bread and wine, showcasing his commitment to educating others about his faith.

Tragically, in October 2006, at just 15 years old, Carlo fell ill with acute leukemia and passed away only ten days later in a northern Italian hospital. In accordance with his wishes, his body was laid to rest in Assisi, a testament to his admiration for St. Francis, the revered patron saint of animals and the environment.

The Journey to Sainthood

The road to canonization began over a decade ago, initiated by a dedicated group of priests and friends, gaining momentum shortly after Pope Francis took office in 2013. In 2018, Carlo was declared “venerable,” recognizing his virtuous life, which allowed his body to be moved to a shrine in Santuario della Spogliazione, closely associated with St. Francis.

In 2020, Carlo was declared “blessed” after the Church validated a miraculous healing attributed to his intercession—a child in Brazil experienced a remarkable recovery that defied scientific explanation. Just last year, another miracle attributed to Acutis was confirmed: a full recovery of a Costa Rican student in Italy who suffered severe head trauma after her mother prayed at his tomb.

His canonization Mass, set for April 27 at 10:30 a.m. outside St. Peter's Basilica, aligns with the celebration of the Holy Year’s jubilee for teenagers, a fitting tribute to this youthful saint.

Why Is Carlo Acutis So Popular?

The popularity of Carlo Acutis is evident, with the Rev. Domenico Sorrentino, the bishop of Assisi, noting that over a million pilgrims visited his shrine last year alone. Shops throughout Assisi are filled with images and merchandise featuring Acutis, from pocket-sized cards to statues, with a striking near-life-sized statue displayed next to that of Mother Teresa at a shop near the Vatican.

Many are drawn to Acutis because he represents a relatable figure for today’s youth. “It’s incredible that this young saint is someone we can encourage our people to emulate,” remarked Rev. Jacinto Bento, a Portuguese priest leading a group of pilgrims from the Azores Islands to Assisi.

Local pilgrims, like Tomaso Barbon from Treviso, express the charm of Acutis’ relatability, stating, “He seems just like our kids. A special prayer to him feels truly inspirational.”

As Carlo Acutis prepares for sainthood, his message reverberates across generations, reminding everyone that holiness is within reach for all. This millennial saint is more than just a story; he is a symbol of hope, inspiration, and a call to live out one’s faith authentically in today’s world.