Pope Leo XIV Canonizes Carlo Acutis as First Millennial Saint

Pope Leo XIV has officially canonized Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old computer enthusiast, as the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint. The ceremony took place on September 7, 2025, during an open-air Mass in St. Peter’s Square, attended by approximately 80,000 people, including many millennials and families with young children. This significant event marks the first saint-making Mass of Pope Leo’s pontificate, alongside the canonization of another young Italian, Pier Giorgio Frassati.

In his homily, Pope Leo emphasized the importance of living a life dedicated to God, stating, “The greatest risk in life is to waste it outside of God’s plan.” He described both Acutis and Frassati as examples for young people, encouraging them to make their lives “masterpieces” by following divine guidance.

Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London to a well-off but not particularly devout Catholic family. The family relocated to Milan shortly after his birth, where Acutis enjoyed a typical yet happy childhood, increasingly marked by profound religious devotion. His interest in computer science blossomed early, as he consumed college-level programming books while still a child.

He earned the nickname “God’s Influencer” for creating a multilingual website that documented Eucharistic miracles recognized by the Church, an impressive feat for someone so young. Acutis balanced his passion for technology with a disciplined lifestyle, limiting himself to one hour of video games per week and prioritizing daily prayer before the Eucharist.

Acutis’s life was tragically cut short when he succumbed to acute leukemia in October 2006, at the age of 15. He was laid to rest in Assisi, where his well-preserved body has drawn millions of young pilgrims seeking inspiration from his story.

In the years following his death, Acutis became a symbol of hope for young Catholics. His tomb in Assisi features a glass-sided display, allowing visitors to see him dressed in jeans and sneakers, appearing as if he is peacefully asleep. His remains, including parts of his heart, have been exhibited globally as relics, sparking curiosity about their preservation.

The canonization had originally been scheduled for earlier in the year but was postponed following the death of Pope Francis in April 2025. Francis had been a staunch advocate for Acutis’s sainthood, believing that his story could resonate with younger generations navigating the complexities of the digital age.

Many young Catholics, like Leo Kowalsky, an eighth grader at a school in Chicago associated with Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish, view Acutis as a relatable figure. Kowalsky expressed enthusiasm for the canonization, noting that it felt special that a pope with his namesake was honoring a saint connected to his school.

The Vatican has actively promoted Acutis as a “saint next door,” appealing to millennials with his ordinary yet extraordinary life. The term millennial typically refers to individuals born between 1981 and 1996, the first generation to reach adulthood in the 21st century.

During the Mass, which featured the participation of 36 cardinals, 270 bishops, and hundreds of priests, the atmosphere was charged with excitement. St. Peter’s Square was filled with pilgrims, many of whom were youthful Italians accompanied by toddlers. Leopoldo Antimi, a 27-year-old from Rome, shared his admiration for Acutis, stating, “It is important to have him as an influencer,” emphasizing the saint’s relevance in today’s tech-driven world.

Matthew Schmalz, a professor of religious studies at Holy Cross College in Massachusetts, noted that Acutis’s canonization represents a modern extension of the Church’s tradition of popular piety. He remarked, “He becomes an emblem or model of how Catholics should approach and use the digital world—with discipline and a focus on traditional Catholic spirituality.”

The canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassati, who dedicated his short life to serving the poor and spreading his faith, further highlighted the Church’s commitment to recognizing figures who embody virtue and service. Frassati, who lived from 1901 to 1925, died at the age of 24 from polio.

As the Catholic Church embraces saints like Acutis and Frassati, it seeks to inspire the next generation to blend their faith with the realities of modern life, showing that holiness can be found in everyday moments and through the responsible use of technology.