Pope Leo XIV Declares Carlo Acutis ‘God’s Influencer’: Celebrating the First Millennial Saint

Pope Leo XIV Canonizes Carlo Acutis: A New Saint for the Digital Age

Pope Leo XIV made headlines recently by canonizing Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old tech genius, as the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint. This event took place during a vibrant Mass in St. Peter’s Square attended by around 80,000 people, many of whom were young families.

Acutis, who passed away in 2006, earned the title “God’s Influencer” for his impressive use of technology to spread faith. He created a multilingual website documenting Eucharistic miracles, a project that was groundbreaking at the time. His love for computer science started young; he read advanced programming books well before high school.

In his homily, Pope Leo emphasized that the lives of saints like Acutis invite everyone, especially the youth, to lead meaningful lives aligned with God. “The greatest risk in life is to waste it outside of God’s plan,” he said, encouraging all to avoid distraction and aim for a higher purpose.

A Life of Contrasts

Born in 1991 in London, Acutis grew up in Milan. His family was affluent but not deeply religious. Despite having access to video games, he limited himself to just an hour a week, showing a strong commitment to traditional spirituality over mere digital entertainment. His daily routine included spending hours in prayer.

Acutis’s journey came to a sudden end in 2006 when he was diagnosed with acute leukemia. His remarkable preservation since death has drawn millions to his tomb in Assisi.

A Modern Day Role Model

The Vatican has actively promoted Acutis as a relatable figure for today’s youth. His sainthood is especially meaningful in a time when many young Catholics seek figures who reflect their everyday challenges and the complexities of the digital world.

Young people, like Leo Kowalsky, an eighth-grader from Chicago, feel a strong connection to Acutis. “It’s great to have someone to look up to who reflects our struggles,” he said.

A Global Influence

Recent studies show that nearly 50% of young adults in Italy feel disconnected from the church. Canonizing Acutis aims to bridge this gap by providing a saint who mirrors their experiences. Matthew Schmalz, a professor of religious studies, noted that Acutis embodies how Catholics can navigate the digital world with discipline while keeping their faith strong.

Acutis isn’t alone in his canonization; Pier Giorgio Frassati, known for his devotion to helping the poor, was also canonized that day. His life of charity and faith serves as another inspiring example.

As these young saints emerge, their stories offer hope and guidance to a generation facing unique challenges in a rapidly changing world. The Vatican’s initiative to present modern, relatable saints may reshape how young Catholics engage with their faith in the future.

For further insight, you can read more about youth engagement in faith communities here.

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