Italian teenager Carlo Acutis to become first millennial saint on September 7

The Catholic Church will canonize Carlo Acutis, its first millennial saint, on September 7, 2025.
Pope Leo XIV, the Church’s first American pontiff, made the announcement after a meeting with cardinals at the Vatican.

Acutis, who died from leukemia in 2006 at age 15, became known as “God’s influencer.”
He used his tech skills to spread Catholic teachings and documented miracles online.
He created a website that cataloged Eucharistic miracles across the world—an act now seen as his mission.

“Carlo used the internet to proclaim the Gospel,” said Bishop Anthony Figueiredo in a 2020 Vatican press briefing.
“He made holiness accessible in the digital age.”

The canonization will take place in St. Peter’s Square and is expected to draw thousands of young Catholics.
It marks the first canonization under Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis earlier this year.
The event will also include the canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassatti, another young Catholic figure who died in 1925 at age 24.

Acutis was beatified in 2020 after the Vatican confirmed his first miracle.
A Brazilian boy with a congenital illness reportedly recovered after his mother prayed to Acutis.
The boy had been unable to eat normally since birth.
Doctors found no medical explanation for the sudden healing.

In May 2025, the Vatican confirmed a second miracle attributed to Acutis.
A Costa Rican girl, studying in Florence, suffered head trauma after falling from her bicycle.
Her mother prayed at Acutis’ tomb in Assisi.
Shortly after, doctors said the girl made a full recovery.

Under Church rules, sainthood requires proof of two miracles.
Each claim undergoes deep investigation and medical analysis.
The Vatican's medical commission must rule that the healing defies scientific explanation.
Then, theologians review whether the miracle was clearly due to the candidate’s intercession.

Acutis' impact goes beyond the Church.
Recent Pew Research data show rising interest in Catholicism among Gen Z in both the U.S. and U.K.
Acutis has become a spiritual icon for young people navigating modern life.
Photos often show him in jeans and sneakers, gaming and smiling.
He presents a relatable image of sainthood in the 21st century.

“Carlo shows that even kids who love video games can be saints,” said Antonia Salzano, his mother.
In a CNN interview, she added, “He gave his life to God and helped the poor.”

Salzano recalled how her son gave his pocket money to the homeless in Milan.
He also volunteered to feed and clothe people living on the streets.

Churches in Assisi and Milan report a growing number of pilgrims, especially teens.
Many visit Acutis’ tomb at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Lines stretch for hours, especially on weekends.

Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino, who oversees Assisi, has warned against commercializing the teen’s legacy.
He condemned attempts to sell relics of Acutis, calling it “Satan’s work.”

Despite such controversies, excitement is building.
Young people from around the world plan to attend the September ceremony.
Catholic youth groups have begun organizing group trips and retreats to Italy.

“Carlo Acutis is proof that holiness isn’t reserved for adults or priests,” said Sister Cristina Cabrini, a youth minister in Rome.
“He lived the Gospel joyfully, in his own time and style.”

Acutis’ canonization represents more than just a religious ritual. It signals a new model for sainthood—one that speaks to younger generations. As Pope Leo prepares to elevate Acutis to sainthood, the Church also elevates the modern spirit of faith.