An Italian teenager, Carlo Acutis, is set to become the Catholic Church's first millennial saint after his cause for canonization was approved by church authorities. Acutis, who passed away from leukemia at the age of 15 in 2006, gained recognition for using his computing skills to spread awareness of the Catholic faith, earning him the nickname 'God's influencer.'
The process of being recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church can often take decades, but Acutis' cause has progressed swiftly, with the teenager amassing a devoted following worldwide. Known for his casual attire of jeans and trainers, Acutis' story has resonated with Catholic youth groups, making him a popular figure among the younger generation.
Typically, the church's sainthood process requires candidates to have two miracles attributed to them, with each miracle undergoing thorough examination. In May, Pope Francis recognized a second miracle attributed to Acutis, clearing the path for his canonization.
The final step towards Acutis' sainthood was completed recently when the Vatican announced that the pope had decreed the canonization would proceed after cardinals voted in favor of Acutis' sainthood, along with 14 others. While the date for his canonization is yet to be determined, it is likely to take place during the Catholic Church's jubilee year celebrations in 2025.
The canonization ceremony is expected to be held in St Peter's Square in Vatican City, presided over by the pope in front of a large audience. This event will mark the formal declaration of Acutis as a saint, allowing parishes and schools worldwide to commemorate him annually on a 'feast day.'
Carlo Acutis, born in London in 1991, was a typical millennial who enjoyed playing video games like Halo, Super Mario, and Pokémon. Apart from his gaming interests, he was also musically inclined, played the saxophone, loved soccer, and had a passion for animals. Acutis' mother described him as a 'sign of hope' and emphasized that holiness is achievable in the modern era.
Despite his young age, Acutis dedicated himself to helping the less fortunate, volunteering with the homeless in Milan from a young age and donating his pocket money to those in need. His selflessness and compassion endeared him to many, leading to his beatification in 2020 after reports of miraculous healings attributed to him.
Carlo Acutis' impending canonization as a saint signifies a significant milestone for the Catholic Church, showcasing a modern example of holiness and inspiring believers worldwide.
