SAINT CARLO ACUTIS

 

SAINT CARLO ACUTIS (1991-2006)

The two saints canonized on September 7, 2025 by Pope Leo XIV in the Square of Saint Peter were Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Both were Italian laymen who died at a young age. They are the first set of Saints to be canonized by Pope Leo XIV.

Saint Carlo Acutis was a holy boy who infused the ordinary aspects of life with extraordinary love for God. During his 15 years on earth, he lived as a regular young person, going to school, playing soccer, eating at the pizzeria with his peers; though somehow making all of these activities a lived Gospel. In the regularity of his life, he [dedicated] his life, moment by moment, to the highest goal to which all men are called: eternal bliss with God.

Among typical teen interests like video games, computer programming, and making home movies with his cats and dogs, he also loved the Eucharist. In fact, he loved the Eucharist in a most profound way, never missing an opportunity to go to Mass or Adoration. This love for the Eucharist, and the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, became the driving source of his sanctity, a home base for him to enter the presence of God and further radiate it to others.

BIRTH

Saint Carlo Acutis was an Italian. His parents Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano are from Milan, but he was born in London on May 3, 1991. The family soon moved to Milan, Italy; thus making him to be raised in Milan. He had a great devotion to the Eucharist. Carlo Acutis is the first first millennial saint. He is often referred to as Gods influencer because he used his computer coding skills to create a website documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world. His life and use of technology to spread his faith have made him an inspirational figure for young people. He died of leukemia at the age of 15 in 2006. 

HIS FAITH AND DEVOTION 

Though his parents were not particularly devout, Carlo showed an unusual and profound love for God from a very young age. His mother confessed that the faith of Carlo Acutis led to her own deeper conversion.

At age seven, after his First Communion, Carlo began insisting on attending daily Mass. He described the Eucharist as his highway to heaven and developed a deep reverence for it.

He had compassion for others. Throughout his life, Carlo demonstrated a strong sense of charity. He defended children who were bullied. He used his allowance to help the poor, and volunteered at soup kitchens. He also showed great kindness to his Hindu housekeeper, who later converted to Catholicism due to the influence of Carlo. 

DIGITAL EVANGELIZATION

He had great technological skills. Carlo became a self-taught and skilled computer programmer, web designer, and videographer in his early teenage years. He used this skill to tell the world about Christ. No wonder when died, the internet was aflame with his stories. When he was beatified few years ago, the internet did not rest from his stories told by Catholics and non Catholics alike, from even Nigerians among other people of the world. 

Part of his digital evangelization includes the designing of Eucharistic miracles website. At age 11, he began using his skills to document and catalogues every officially approved Eucharistic miracle in the world on a website he created. The site has been used for traveling exhibitions around the world.

His use of technology to spread Catholic teachings and document miracles earned him the nickname cyber-apostle and positioned him as a pioneer of digital evangelization. He was particularly passionate about Eucharistic miracles: supernatural events involving consecrated bread and wine as the literal body and blood of Jesus Christ. At 11 years old, he created an interactive website cataloguing these miracles around the world. It is still accessible today, and has been displayed as an exhibition on five continents. He also catalogued visions of the Virgin Mary and built websites for religious causes.

A screenshot of a website that shows a religious painting with the words: Miracles List: The Eucharistic Miracles of the world. Saint Carlo used his skills in web development to catalogue miracles. (Carloacutis.com). While he loved his PlayStation, he limited himself to playing just one hour a week to ensure his focus remained on God.

Father David Ransom, the parish priest at Our Lady of Dolours church in Sydney (as at September 2025), who displayed a relic of Saint Carlo (two of his hairs) in a shrine, says that in many ways, Carlo was an ordinary young man; but he was a very passionate young man, full of life. he tells ABC Radio National's Soul Search.

HIS DEATH

In October 2006, at the age of 15, Carlo was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, an aggressive form of cancer. He offered his suffering to Jesus Christ for the Pope and the Church. He died on October 12, 2006, and was buried in Assisi, Italy, fulfilling his request to be buried in the town of his admired St. Francis. His body now rests in a glass tomb in the Sanctuary of the Spoliation. 

PATH TO SAINTHOOD

In the year 2020, a miracle was attributed to the intercession of Carlo, in which a Brazilian boy was healed of a severe pancreatic disorder. Pope Francis recognized the miracle and beatified Carlo on October 10, 2020, formally giving him the title Blessed. A second miracle was recognized in 2024, involving the healing of a young woman from Costa Rica who had suffered a severe head injury. Following the approval of the second miracle, the Vatican announced his canonization. On September 7, 2025, Pope Leo XIV officially declared Carlo Acutis a saint during a ceremony in the Square of St. Peter. The Canonization Mass was attended by tens of thousands of people, many of them millennials and couples with young children.

WHO A MILLENNIAL IS

A millennial, or a member of Generation Y, is a person born roughly between the early 1980s and the mid-1990s or early 2000s, with specific dates varying by source. Key defining traits include technological savviness, comfort with social media, and openness to different cultures, a desire for personalized experiences, and a collaborative approach to work. The term was coined to describe the first generation to reach adulthood around the turn of the millennium (the year 2000).  

KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF MILLENNIAL

Technologically Savvy: Millennials grew up with the rise of digital technology and social media, making them comfortable with online communication and platforms. 

Global and Progressive: They are often described as being open-minded and more progressive, embracing cultural diversity and sharing societal viewpoints. 

Desire for Customization: Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, millennials often prefer personalized experiences, whether in work or life. 

Collaborative Work Style: In the workplace, they tend to prefer teamwork and group brainstorming sessions over solitary projects. 

Balancing Work and Life: Millennials are noted for integrating their personal and professional lives, often using social media to connect across both spheres. 

Historical Context: Major events that shaped their formative years include the rise of the internet, the 9/11 attacks, and the beginnings of social networks. 

GENERATIONAL CONTEXT OF MILLENNIAL

Between Generations: Millennials bridge the gap between the preceding Generation X (born ~1965-1980) and the following Generation Z (born ~1997-early 2010s). 

Defining Moment: The term Millennial or Generation Y reflects their coming-of-age around the year 2000. 

WHAT HAPPENED ON SEPTEMBER 7 2025 AT THE SQUARE OF SAINT PETER

The Vatican said 36 cardinals, 270 bishops and hundreds of priests signed up to celebrate the Mass along with Leo XIV in a sign of enormous appeal of saint Carlo to the hierarchy and ordinary faithful alike. A hour before the mass, the square of St Peter was already full with pilgrims, many of them young millennial Italians who had found in Acutis a relatable role model. Many of those fans of Saint Carlo are celebrating the day in person and online, sharing prayers and adorning themselves with saintly merch.

The late Pope Francis had planned to canonize Saint Carlo in April during the Jubilee of Teenagers, a special weekend to celebrate young followers of Christ. A group of young people photographed from behind, all wearing jumpers with the face of Carlo Acutis on them. Saint Carlo is immensely popular among young Catholics. However, the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday and the subsequent mourning and conclave periods delayed the proceedings. On June 13 2025, Pope Leo announced that Saint Carlo, along with young Catholic author Pier Giorgio Frassati, would be the first saints named in his pontificate.

Saint Carlo, who is known as the saint in sneakers,” has been touted as the patron saint of the internet for his work cataloguing miracles and evangelizing online. And with Catholicism on the decline in many countries, including Australia, some are hoping a relatable saint will help galvanize the next generation of Catholic youth.

Saint Carlo loved gaming, computer programming, soccer, Pokémon, and his dog Billy.

SAINT CARLO AND SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISSI

Acutis identified with the values of poverty, chastity and obedience of Saint Francis, as well as his patronage of animals and the environment. Saint Francis of Assisi was an Italian mystic, poet and friar who founded the religious order of the Franciscans. Joanne Pierce, professor emerita in the department of religious studies at the College of the Holy Cross explains that the followers of Saint Francis were historically not afraid to get their hands dirtythey were very willing to help out  They were doers, but they spread the message, and I think that is one of the things that Carlo Acutis was so devoted to. Carlo gave out sleeping bags to the homeless; he would give the poor money from his own allowance. He also protected other kids from being bullied.

THE CHALLENGE OF THE LIFE OF CURTIS TO NIGERIAN YOUTH

The life of Saint Carlo Acutis presents a profound challenge to Nigerian youths of the 21st century by offering a modern, digital blueprint for combining deep, authentic faith with contemporary life. He provides a relatable model for holiness that counters the common distractions and social pressures faced by young people today. 

Saint Carlo Acutis challenges Nigerian youth by showing that it is possible to be digitally savvy, socially engaged, and deeply faithful, demonstrating that holiness is not about perfection but about a daily commitment to God amidst the distractions of life. His story encourages young Nigerians to embrace their faith, use their talents to serve others and God, find meaning in suffering, and recognize that sanctity is achievable for anyone, starting now, in their own modern context. 

(a) AUTHENTIC FAITH vs. SUPERFICIAL RELIGIOUS PRACTICES

In Nigeria, religion is a visible and powerful force, yet youth often face the challenge of distinguishing authentic spirituality from superficial displays of piety. Carlo's life calls for a more profound and personal faith rooted in devotion to Christ, particularly in the Eucharist, rather than external performance. 

(b) THE CHALLENGE OF EXTERNAL VALIDATION

The motto of Carlo, All are born as originals, but many die as photocopies, challenges Nigerian youth to seek an authentic relationship with God rather than simply conforming to religious trends or societal expectations.

(c) THE PATH OF GENUINE DEVOTION

His deep and consistent devotion, including daily Mass and the rosary, challenges young people to move beyond nominal faith toward a vibrant, active spiritual life. 

(d) DIGITAL EVANGELIZATION vs. DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS 

Nigerian youths are highly engaged with digital technology, but this often comes with risks like excessive screen time, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content. Carlo challenges young people to use technology as a tool for good rather than for distraction. 

(e) HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY FOR FAITH (A CALL TO BE DIGITAL MISSIONARY)

He used his computer skills to create a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles, demonstrating that digital media can be a powerful force for spreading the Gospel. This challenges Nigerian youths to use their tech-savviness for positive change, rather than just entertainment. Nigerian youth can use their own skills to create online content that promotes their faith and helps others connect with it.

(f) INTENTIONAL DIGITAL USAGE

Carlo limited his video game time and was wary of the focus of social media on self-idolatry. This challenges youth to be intentional and disciplined with their technology use, prioritizing spiritual growth over fleeting online trends. 

(g) MATERIALISM vs. SERVICE AND SIMPLICITY

Youths in Nigeria are navigating a society where poverty and economic hardship are widespread, yet materialism and the pursuit of wealth are often glorified. As someone from a well-off family who chose a life of simplicity and charity, Carlo offers a compelling alternative to this worldview. 

(h) PRIORITIZING OTHERS OVER POSSESSIONS

Carlo used his allowance to buy food for the homeless and helped those in need, echoing the Franciscan values he admired. This challenges Nigerian youths to practice generosity and to use their resources to serve the less fortunate.

(i) FINDING VALUE IN SERVICE: His life demonstrates that true worth and fulfillment come from serving God and neighbor, not from material wealth or social status. This challenges the prevalent culture of materialism and self-centered ambition. Again, instead of being controlled by social media and games, Carlo used his passion for computers to serve God and create a positive online presence. This challenges youth to find ways to use their digital tools for positive, faith-based goals rather than allowing them to be sources of distraction or superficiality. 

(j) HOLINESS IN THE ORDINARY vs. EXTRAORDINARY FEATS

For many, sainthood seems unattainable and reserved for missionaries or clergy from the distant past. The short but impactful life of Carlo challenges this notion by showing that holiness is possible for ordinary people, even in the 21st century. 

(k) A RELATABLE ROLE MODEL

As a teen who loved video games and wore jeans, Carlo is an accessible model for young Nigerians who may not see themselves reflected in traditional saints. Traditional Saints here refers to those Saints that were canonized hundreds of years ago, who were mainly priests and religious, and/or those who got married and died at old age.

(l) EVERYDAY SANCTIFICATION

His life demonstrates that holiness is a daily choice to put God first, to be kind to others, and to use the unique talents for good, proving that saints can wear sneakers and surf the internet. The life of Carlo shows that one do not have to wait until one is older or more religious to start living a holy life. Nigerian youth are challenged to integrate prayer, Mass, and a commitment to God into their daily activities and relationships, just as Carlo did. 

(m) PURPOSEFUL LIVING VS. IDLE EXISTENCE

High unemployment rates and social discontent may cause some Nigerian youths to feel a lack of purpose. The life of Carlo challenges this idleness with a strong sense of mission and a focus on eternity. 

(n) A LIFE LIVED FULLY

Facing a terminal illness, Carlo said, I am happy to die because I have lived my life without wasting even a minute of it on anything unpleasing to God.” This statement challenges young people to live purposefully and to use their time wisely.

(o) AN ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE

Carlo viewed his earthly life as a gift and saw heaven as his true home. This perspective challenges youths to view their lives not as an endless pursuit of worldly success but as a journey toward an eternal homeland. 

(p) FINDING MEANING IN SUFFERING 

Facing untreatable leukemia, Carlo offered his suffering for the good of the Church and others. This challenges young Nigerians to see their own struggles, whether personal, social, or economic, as opportunities to unite themselves with Jesus and grow in spiritual strength, rather than just burdens. 

Below are a few quotes from Carlo Acutis:

Not me, but God.

To always be close to Jesus, that is my life plan.

[When] you put yourself in front of the sun you get tanned... but when you put yourself in front of Jesus in the Eucharist you become a saint.

“If God possesses our heart we will possess the Infinite.

I am happy to die because I have lived my life without wasting a minute on those things which do not please God.

Saint Carlo Acutis, pray for us!

© Rev Fr Utazi Prince Marie Benignus Zereuwa

September 9 2025

Memorial of Saint Peter Clever