Carlo Acutis: The First Millennial Saint

Growing up in a Catholic household and attending Catholic schools, I could not escape learning about many of the saints. We were taught about them, celebrated their feast days, and even watched movies about them as a special treat (the Zeffirelli film Brother Sun, Sister Moon being one example). St. Francis of Assisi remains a particular favorite for me. So it was with great interest that I read about the upcoming canonization of the first ‘millennial saint’, Carlo Acutis, who also had an affinity for St. Francis, and was interred at Assisi after his death.

Carlo Acutis was an Italian teenager who passed away in 2006. Born in 1991 in London to Italian parents, Carlo Acutis lived most of his life in Milan, Italy. Despite his short 15 years on earth before succumbing to leukemia, Carlo left behind a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire Catholics worldwide, particularly young people. Among the items his mother found after his death was a diary full of theological insights, especially around the Eucharist. He is on track to become the first canonized saint born in the millennial generation.

Carlo was known for his exceptional devotion to the Eucharist, which he called his "highway to heaven." What makes his story particularly relevant to contemporary youth is how he combined deep Catholic faith with modern technology. A self-taught computer programmer, Carlo created a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles from around the world—a digital ministry that continues to evangelize even after his death.

The Path to Sainthood

The journey toward Carlo's canonization has progressed steadily since his cause was opened in 2012:

• In 2013, the Holy See officially approved the opening of his cause for beatification and canonization.
• Pope Francis declared him "Venerable" in 2018, recognizing his heroic virtues.
• In 2020, Carlo was beatified after his first confirmed miracle—the healing of a Brazilian boy with a congenital deformation of the pancreas.
• Most recently, in May 2024, Pope Francis recognized a second miracle attributed to Carlo's intercession—the healing of a university student in Florence who suffered a dangerous brain hemorrhage following head trauma.

Carlo's canonization will take place on April 27, 2025, during the Catholic Church's Jubilee Year. When canonized, Carlo will become the youngest contemporary non-martyr saint, a remarkable achievement that underscores the Church's recognition that holiness is possible at any age. And, as the first millennial saint, Carlo represents a bridge between timeless Catholic traditions and the modern digital world.

His famous quote, "Everyone is born as an original, but many die as photocopies," reflects his understanding that each person has a unique path to holiness. Carlo lived this belief by using his technological gifts to serve God and spread the faith.

For young Catholics navigating the complexities of faith in a digital world, Carlo Acutis offers a compelling model of how to integrate devotion with modern life.  

As we approach Carlo's canonization, his story reminds us that saints aren't just found in ancient history books. They walk among us, even in our digital age, showing that holiness remains possible and relevant in every era.