Carlo Acutis: The First Millennial Saint and ‘God’s Influencer’
Carlo Acutis will become the first millennial saint in April. He was born in London and passed away from leukaemia in 2006 at the age of 15. Carlo used technology to document Catholic miracles and promote faith online. He created a website to showcase Eucharistic miracles from around the world just days before his death. This work earned him the title of “patron saint of the internet.”
To achieve sainthood in the Catholic Church, a candidate must have two verified miracles attributed to their intercession. Carlo’s first recognized miracle occurred in 2020, involving the healing of a Brazilian child with a congenital disease. The second miracle, confirmed in 2024, involved a university student in Florence who recovered from severe brain bleeding. Pope Francis will canonize Carlo during a ceremony at the Vatican on April 26.
Though born in London, Carlo lived much of his life in Italy. His body was moved to Assisi, which is now a pilgrimage site. Assisi is the home of Saint Francis, and it reflects Carlo’s values of peace and spirituality. Carlo’s life inspires young Catholics and tech-savvy believers. He connects traditional faith with modern technology, encouraging the use of the internet to spread positive messages.
How can modern saints like Carlo Acutis influence young people’s approach to faith in the digital world?
Interview with Father Marco Rossi, Expert on Modern Saints and Digital Evangelization
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us today, Father Rossi. Carlo Acutis is set to become the first millennial saint this April. What does his upcoming canonization mean for the Catholic Church and young believers today?
Father Rossi: Thank you for having me. Carlo Acutis’s canonization is significant not just for the Church but for an entire generation. He embodies the interface between faith and technology, showing that modern tools can be utilized to spread the message of Christ. His story encourages young Catholics to engage with their faith in ways that are relevant to their lives, particularly through digital platforms.
News Directory 3: Carlo used technology to document miracles and promote faith online. How can his life serve as an inspiration for young Catholics dealing with the challenges of the digital age?
Father Rossi: Carlo is a beacon of hope. For many young people, the internet can be a place of distraction or negativity. However, Carlo’s approach demonstrates that it can also be a platform for evangelization and community-building. His work in documenting Eucharistic miracles via his website serves as a reminder that our digital footprints can reflect our faith and values positively. He inspires young believers to use technology not just for entertainment, but as a tool to enhance and share their spirituality.
News Directory 3: Can you elaborate on the miracles recognized by the Church that led to his sainthood?
Father Rossi: Certainly. The two miracles attributed to Carlo’s intercession are powerful testimonies to his saintly life. The first, confirmed in 2020, involved a Brazilian child who was cured of a congenital disease in a way that the medical community could not explain. The second miracle, confirmed more recently in 2024, involved a university student in Florence who recovered from severe brain bleeding. Both cases underscore Carlo’s intercession and the impact of his life in prayerful connection with God.
News Directory 3: Carlo was known as the “patron saint of the internet.” What implications does this title hold in the context of modern society?
Father Rossi: Being recognized as the patron saint of the internet positions Carlo as a spiritual guide for navigating the complexities of online life. It highlights the Church’s recognition of the internet as an integral part of contemporary society. His canonization provides a spiritual framework for using technology responsibly, promoting ethical online behavior, and fostering a positive digital community rooted in faith.
News Directory 3: Carlo’s body now rests in Assisi, a town associated with peace and spirituality. How does this location reflect his legacy?
Father Rossi: Assisi is a profoundly spiritual place, home to Saint Francis, who exemplified humility, simplicity, and love for creation. Carlo shares these values. His relocation to Assisi ensures that he is surrounded by a community devoted to peace and spirituality, encouraging pilgrims to connect with his legacy. Visiting his tomb can serve as a spiritual experience for many, reinforcing the idea that holiness can coexist with contemporary life.
News Directory 3: As we approach the canonization ceremony on April 26, how do you envision Carlo’s impact on the future of the Church?
Father Rossi: I believe Carlo Acutis will continue to influence the next generation of Catholics and beyond. His life and example illustrate that faith can thrive in modern contexts. His message resonates with young people facing the challenges of faith in an increasingly secular world. Carlo’s canonization will not only validate his extraordinary contributions but also reaffirm that saints can emerge from any era, guiding believers in their spiritual journeys in today’s digital age.
Many view Carlo as a symbol of hope for a generation raised with the internet. His story shows that technology can have a positive impact on faith. With his canonization by Pope Francis, Carlo Acutis will serve as a guiding light for believers in a digital age.