The Teenage Saint of the Digital Age

A young man, Carlo Acutis, is set to become the Catholic Church's first saint from the millennial generation. His canonization will happen on April 27 in St. Peter's Square. This event has already sparked significant interest, with many visitors heading to a church in Assisi, Italy. There, they can see his remains, dressed in casual clothes like sneakers, jeans, and a sweatshirt. Carlo Acutis was born in London in 1991 to a wealthy Italian family and grew up in Milan. His deep faith began at a young age. He received his First Communion at seven and regularly attended daily Mass, prayed the rosary, and participated in eucharistic adoration. Despite his religious devotion, Carlo enjoyed typical teenage activities like hiking, playing video games, and hanging out with friends. He also taught catechism and helped the homeless. Carlo had a unique talent for technology. He created an online exhibit showcasing over 100 eucharistic miracles recognized by the church. These miracles highlight the real presence of Christ in the consecrated bread and wine, a central belief in Catholicism. Sadly, Carlo's life was cut short. He fell ill in October 2006 at the age of 15 and passed away ten days later due to acute leukemia. His body was later moved to Assisi, a place he loved because of his devotion to St. Francis. The process to declare Carlo a saint began over a decade ago, initiated by a group of priests and friends. It gained formal momentum shortly after Pope Francis started his papacy in 2013. In 2018, the church recognized Carlo's virtuous life and named him "venerable. " His body was then moved to a shrine in Assisi. Two years later, he was declared "blessed" after a miraculous healing in Brazil was attributed to his intercession. Another miracle, the healing of a Costa Rican student in Italy, paved the way for his sainthood. Carlo's canonization Mass will take place on April 27 at 10:30 a. m. in front of St. Peter's Basilica. This event coincides with the celebration of the Holy Year's jubilee for teens. The Rev. Domenico Sorrentino, Assisi's bishop, noted that over the past year, a million pilgrims have visited Carlo's shrine in Assisi. Images of Carlo, often showing him with a backpack and a broad smile, are popular in shops throughout the town. His relatability as a teenager of this era draws many to him. Visitors see him as a role model, someone they can look up to and imitate.