Meet Carlo Acutis: The Tech-Savvy Teen Who Became the First Millennial Saint

Carlo Acutis, a boy born in London in 1991, has become the first millennial saint in the Catholic Church, earning the nickname 'God's influencer' for his efforts to spread Catholic teachings online. As a child, Carlo was baptized at Our Lady of Dolours Church in Chelsea, London, before his family moved back to Italy when he was less than six months old. Growing up in Milan, Carlo developed a passion for technology and enjoyed playing video games, which made him relatable to many young people. Despite not being seen as especially religious by some who knew him, Carlo created a website as a teenager that documented miracles, aiming to make Catholic teachings more accessible. These website pages are now displayed at the church where he was baptized, serving as a reminder of his work.

Tragically, Carlo died of leukemia at the age of 15. After his death, his mother, Antonia Salzano, became a strong advocate for his canonization, visiting churches around the world and sharing stories of miracles attributed to her son. One notable miracle occurred on the day of Carlo's funeral, when a woman with breast cancer prayed to him and her cancer disappeared. The Catholic Church requires evidence of miracles for sainthood, and Pope Francis recognized two miracles performed by Carlo, paving the way for his canonization. The ceremony was originally scheduled for April but was postponed due to the death of Pope Francis.

Carlo's body is preserved in wax in the Italian town of Assisi, which has become a popular pilgrimage site for over a million visitors. The London church where he was baptized has also seen an increase in visitors, with a shrine dedicated to Carlo that includes a strand of his hair. Young Catholics like Diego Sarkissian feel a connection to Carlo because he enjoyed video games and dressed casually, making sainthood seem more accessible. The Vatican appears to have fast-tracked Carlo's canonization to inspire and energize young people, hoping that his story will encourage them to engage more deeply with their faith. The ceremony, led by Pope Leo, was filled with ancient rituals, and the Church hopes that Carlo's example will help bridge the gap between tradition and modern life for the next generation.