"God's Influencer": Pope Leo Canonizes Carlo Acutis as First Millennial Saint

In a moment that blended ancient tradition with modern inspiration, Pope Leo XIV canonized Carlo Acutis on September 7, 2025, before a crowd of nearly 80,000 in St. Peter's Square. Acutis, a London-born Italian teenager who died of leukemia in 2006, became the Catholic Church's first millennial saint-a digital-age evangelist whose life and legacy continue to resonate with young people across the globe.

Known for his deep devotion to the Eucharist and his pioneering use of technology to document Eucharistic miracles, Acutis was affectionately dubbed "God's influencer." His canonization marks a milestone not only in Church history but in the evolving relationship between faith and digital culture.

A Teenager with a Mission

Born in 1991, Carlo Acutis was raised in Milan and showed an early affinity for both computers and Catholic devotion. By age 11, he had taught himself coding and web design, eventually creating a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles from around the world. His goal was simple yet profound: to help others recognize the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Despite his technical prowess, Acutis lived a life of quiet humility. He attended daily Mass, prayed the Rosary, and volunteered to help the poor. Diagnosed with leukemia at age 15, he offered his suffering for the Pope and the Church. He died just days later, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.

Pope Leo's Homily: A Call to Youth

During the canonization Mass, Pope Leo praised Acutis as a model for young Catholics navigating the complexities of modern life. "Carlo used to say, 'In front of the sun you get a tan, in front of the Eucharist you become a Saint,'" the Pope recalled, highlighting the teen's unwavering belief in the transformative power of the sacrament.

In his homily, Pope Leo drew parallels between Acutis and other young saints, including Pier Giorgio Frassati, who was canonized alongside Carlo. "Dear friends," the Pope said, "Sts. Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis are an invitation to all of us, especially young people, not to squander our lives but to direct them upwards and make them masterpieces".

The Pope's message was clear: holiness is not reserved for the cloistered or the elderly. It is a calling for every generation, and Carlo's life proves that sanctity can flourish even in the digital age.

A Global Celebration

The canonization drew pilgrims from around the world, many of them young adults and families. Attendees wore T-shirts bearing Carlo's image and quotes, while parishes named in his honor held celebrations from Chicago to Manila. At St. Carlo Acutis Parish in Bucktown, Illinois, parishioners processed with soccer balls and Nutella-two of Carlo's favorite things-underscoring his relatability and youthful spirit.

The Vatican confirmed two miracles attributed to Carlo's intercession: the healing of a Brazilian boy with a rare pancreatic disorder and a Costa Rican woman who recovered from severe head trauma. These miracles paved the way for his beatification in 2020 and now his sainthood.

A Saint for the Digital Age

Carlo Acutis's canonization is more than a ceremonial elevation-it's a cultural moment. In an era where screens dominate attention and algorithms shape identity, Carlo's life offers a counter-narrative: one of intentionality, spiritual depth, and joyful witness.

As Pope Leo continues to emphasize youth engagement and spiritual renewal, Carlo stands as a beacon. His story reminds the Church-and the world-that holiness is not outdated. It's alive, accessible, and perhaps just a click away.