The Catholic Church has declared Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager who died in 2006 at age 15 from leukemia, as its first millennial saint. The canonization ceremony took place on September 7, 2025, following the recognition of two miracles attributed to his intercession.
Acutis, known as “God’s influencer” for his digital evangelism, gained attention for creating a website documenting reports of miracles and spreading awareness of the Catholic faith through computing skills. His canonization occurred alongside that of Pier Giorgio Frassatti, with Pope Leo XIV presiding over the ceremony. Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the event.
The first miracle involved Mattheus Vianna, a Brazilian boy cured of a rare pancreatic disorder after visiting Acutis’s tomb in Assisi, Italy. The second miracle centered on Valeria Valverde, a Costa Rican student who recovered from a severe traumatic brain injury following prayers at the same site. Both cases were approved by the Vatican as evidence of Acutis’s intercessory power.
Acutis’s mother, Antonia Salzano, highlighted his relatability to younger generations, noting his awareness of the internet’s “dark side” and his disciplined approach to technology. The Church’s decision to canonize him reflects broader efforts to engage Gen Z, despite challenges such as declining youth participation and scandals involving clerical misconduct.
The ceremony marked the first time a saint was declared by Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, and emphasized Acutis’s role as a digital-age evangelist. His image, often depicted in casual attire, contrasts with traditional depictions of saints, fostering a global following among young adherents.