Delayed Canonization of First Millennial Saint Carlo Acutis Following Pope’s Death: What It Means for Followers

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican has announced that the canonization of Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, has been postponed following the death of Pope Francis. The ceremony was set to take place next Sunday in St. Peter’s Square during a Jubilee celebration for teenagers.

Carlo Acutis was deeply admired for his spiritual life, which started capturing attention more than a decade ago. He passed away at just 15 years old in 2006 due to leukemia. In the years leading up to his canonization, many people have visited Assisi, Italy, where his body rests in a shrine, dressed in sneakers and a hoodie.

The journey toward sainthood for Acutis began in earnest when a group of priests and friends petitioned the Vatican. His path gained momentum after Pope Francis took office in 2013. He was declared “venerable” in 2018, recognizing his virtuous life, and his remains were moved to a prominent shrine in Assisi linked to St. Francis.

In 2020, the church declared him “blessed” after verifying a miracle attributed to his intercession—a child in Brazil who healed in a way that baffled doctors. A second miracle, recognized last year, involved a student from Costa Rica who fully recovered from severe injuries after her mother prayed at Acutis’ tomb.

Carlo was notable not just for his piety but also for his tech skills. He launched an online project documenting over 100 eucharistic miracles, emphasizing the Catholic belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. He was also active in youth catechism and outreach to the homeless, blending faith with modern technology.

Despite the postponement of the canonization, the Mass for adolescents will still take place, expected to draw tens of thousands. This event is part of a year-long celebration of the Holy Year, which Pope Francis initiated in December 2022.

The interest in Acutis reflects a growing trend among young Catholics who engage with faith through social media and technology. Recent surveys indicate that nearly 50% of young adults see value in faith shared online, highlighting a shift in how spiritual connections are made today.

Carlo Acutis represents a unique bridge between tradition and modernity, reminding us that faith is not just a matter of the past but can thrive through new mediums. As the church moves forward, his story continues to inspire and resonate with many around the world.



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Pope Francis, Carlo Acutis, Vatican City, Italy, Leukemia, Teens, Religion