Vatican Canonizes Teen Carlo Acutis First Millennial Saint

Pope Leo XIV canonized Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old London-born Italian computer prodigy, as the Catholic Church's first millennial saint during a Mass at St. Peter’s Square attended by tens of thousands, including many young people and families. Known as “God’s Influencer,” Acutis used his tech skills to create a multilingual website documenting Eucharistic miracles, helping to spread Catholic teachings through modern digital means. Despite his young age, he combined a typical teenage lifestyle with deep religious devotion, attending daily Mass and dedicating his suffering from leukemia to the Church. His canonization, the first of Pope Leo’s pontificate, also honored Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Italian known for his social commitment. Acutis’ body rests in a glass tomb in Assisi, dressed in casual clothes, symbolizing his connection with contemporary youth. The event highlighted the Church’s effort to engage younger generations by presenting relatable role models who integrate faith with modern life and technology.