Archbishop Condemns Auctioning of Millennial Saint’s Relics as ‘Work of Satan’ – CNN Exclusive

Millennials are about to gain their first video-game saint, Carlo Acutis, who will be canonized soon. But there’s a catch: selling relics linked to him online is off-limits. An Italian archbishop has stepped in to stop this trend, calling it inappropriate.

A recent incident involved an anonymous seller trying to auction off strands of Acutis’ hair for over $2,200. This raised eyebrows, prompting Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino to alert the police. He heads the diocese in Assisi, where Acutis’ remains are housed.

Relics, which can range from locks of hair to bones, are traditionally cherished by Catholics. They are often places for prayer and reflection. Yet, church law strictly forbids selling them. According to Sorrentino, these items can only be transferred or gifted, not for profit. Significant relics, such as major body parts, require Vatican approval before they can be given away.

Sorrentino expressed his concerns in a video. “The love for money can lead to many problems,” he said. He filed a complaint with local authorities, asking for the auctioned items to be seized. Whether the relics are genuine or fake doesn’t matter. Any deception is seen as a serious offense, disrespecting religious feelings.

This isn’t an isolated case. Sorrentino noted that the online market for relics is rampant. Many sites list relics from various saints with specific price tags, which he finds unacceptable.

Acutis, who passed away from leukemia in 2006 at just 15, has become a symbol of hope and faith for young Christians. After his canonization, he’s expected to be known as the “patron saint of the internet,” appealing to the tech-savvy youth. The official ceremony for his canonization will be held in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on April 27.

Relics have a deep history in the Catholic tradition. In times past, genuine relics were often venerated in cathedrals and shrines. People would travel long distances to pray near these holy items, believing they brought them closer to the divine. However, this reverence has faced challenges in the modern age, especially with the rise of online transactions.

So, as we approach this significant moment for Carlo Acutis, it’s clear the issue of relic sales will continue to spark debate within the Church and among believers. Many are watching to see how the canonization will shape conversations around faith and commerce in today’s world.

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