A New Saint's Path Paused

The journey to honor a young tech-savvy Catholic has hit a snag. Carlo Acutis, who passed away at just 15, was on track to become the first millennial saint. His canonization, set for next Sunday, has been delayed. This is due to the recent passing of Pope Francis. The event was planned for St. Peter’s Square, coinciding with a big youth celebration. Acutis's story is quite remarkable. He was known for his modern approach to faith. He created an online exhibit showcasing over 100 eucharistic miracles recognized by the church. This exhibit highlighted the real presence of Christ in the consecrated bread and wine, a core belief in Catholicism. Besides his digital work, Acutis was active in his community. He taught catechism and helped the homeless. His path to sainthood began over a decade ago. A group of priests and friends initiated the process. It gained formal momentum when Pope Francis started his papacy in 2013. In 2018, the church recognized Acutis's virtuous life, naming him “venerable. ” His body was then moved to a shrine in Assisi’s Santuario della Spogliazione, a significant site linked to St. Francis. Acutis's journey continued in 2020 when he was declared “blessed. ” This happened after the Vatican acknowledged a miraculous healing in Brazil. A child recovered in a way that science couldn't explain. This healing was attributed to Acutis's intercession. Last year, another miracle paved his way to sainthood. A Costa Rican student in Italy fully recovered from severe head trauma after her mother prayed at Acutis's tomb. Despite the delay, the Mass for adolescents will proceed. It's part of a year-long Holy Year celebration started by Francis in December. The Vatican has confirmed that the celebration will continue, with some adjustments. Acutis's influence extends beyond his tech skills. His life and work serve as an inspiration. He showed that faith and modern technology can go hand in hand. His story encourages young people to engage with their faith in innovative ways. It also reminds us that saints come from all walks of life, including the digital age.