Pope Leo XIV acknowledges Carlo Acutis as the first millennial individual to be canonized as a saint

In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV declared 15-year-old Carlo Acutis the Church's first millennial saint on Sunday. The open-air Mass in St. Peter's Square was attended by an estimated 80,000 people, many of them millennials and couples with young children.

Born in London in 1991 to a wealthy but not particularly observant Catholic family, Acutis moved to Milan soon after birth and had a typical, happy childhood with increasing religious devotion. He was known for his interest in computer science and created a multilingual website documenting Eucharistic miracles recognised by the Church.

Leo Kowalsky, an 8th grader at a Chicago school attached to the Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish, expressed his excitement about his namesake's canonisation. Kowalsky aims to emulate Acutis by asking himself, "What would Carlo do?"

Acutis spent hours in prayer before the Eucharist each day. His devotion was evident in his life, and his influence continues to be felt, particularly in the digital world. Matthew Schmalz, professor of religious studies at Holy Cross college, stated that Acutis' canonisation extends traditional piety to the digital age. Schmalz described Acutis as an emblem or model for Catholics in the digital world, emphasising discipline and traditional Catholic spirituality.

Pier Giorgio Frassati was also canonised during the same Mass. Frassati, who lived from 1901-1925, is known for his devotion to serving the poor and spreading his faith to friends. Leopoldo Antimi, a 27-year-old Roman, cited the joy and light that Carlo Acutis carried as reasons for his appeal.

The Vatican's campaign to popularise Carlo Acutis aimed to provide the next generation of faithful with a "saint next door" who was relatable and tech-savvy. Acutis' tomb in Assisi has been a popular destination for young Catholics since his death.

Pope Francis fervently pushed the Acutis sainthood case forward, believing the church needed someone like him to attract young Catholics to the faith while addressing the promises and perils of the digital age. Frassati's canonisation was also a significant event, as he was known for his devotion to serving the poor and spreading his faith to friends.

The canonisation of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati serves as a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the importance of following one's convictions, even in the face of adversity. The two saints provide inspiration for young Catholics and remind us all of the impact we can have on the world, no matter our age or circumstances.

Pope Leo XIV acknowledges Carlo Acutis as the first millennial individual to be canonized as a saint