Carlo Acutis: Journey from London Baptism to Becoming the First Millennial Saint

A London boy has recently made history as the first millennial saint. Carlo Acutis was canonized in a ceremony led by Pope Leo.

Carlo didn’t live long—he died of leukemia at just 15. But during his short life, he used his love for technology to promote his faith. He built websites that showcased miracles, earning the nickname “God’s influencer.” His canonization was initially set for April, but it was postponed due to the death of Pope Francis.

Since the news of his sainthood, more than a million people have traveled to Assisi, Italy, where Carlo’s body is kept, preserved in wax. Interest in his story has also increased in other areas, especially at Our Lady of Dolours Church in Chelsea, London. This is where Carlo was baptized in 1991. The church has turned an old confession booth into a shrine to him, featuring a lock of his hair.

Father Paul Addison, a friar at the church, shared that Carlo’s family was briefly living in London when they decided to have him baptized. “He was a brief spark in our community,” he said.

After moving to Milan, Carlo developed a passion for video games and technology. Some who knew him say he wasn’t particularly devout, but he showed a deep spirituality through his work. His website documenting miracles is now displayed at the Chelsea church.

Carlo’s mother, Antonia Salzano, has been a driving force behind his canonization. She visited churches worldwide to advocate for him. Miracles had to be confirmed for the process to succeed. The first miracle attributed to Carlo happened on the day of his funeral when a woman prayed to him for help with breast cancer. Her cancer went into remission shortly thereafter.

Though anticipated for April 27, the canonization event was moved after Pope Francis’ passing. Some attendees who traveled to Rome found themselves at the Pope’s funeral instead. One young Catholic from London, Diego Sarkissian, expressed excitement about Carlo’s canonization, saying it feels relatable. “He played video games like I do,” Diego noted, making Carlo feel more like a friend than a distant saint.

The Vatican sees Carlo’s quick path to sainthood as part of a strategy to inspire and energize faith among youth. Events like Carlo’s canonization serve as a hopeful reminder of the connection between faith and everyday life.

For more on miracle claims and the canonization process, explore resources from the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization and related studies on the impact of modern saints on youth engagement in faith.

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