VATICAN CITY — In a landmark moment for the Catholic Church, 15-year-old Carlo Acutis will be declared a saint on September 7, 2025, marking the first canonization of a digital-era youth and signaling a potential renaissance of religious engagement among younger generations.
Pope Leo XIV will preside over the ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, transforming Acutis from a teenage tech enthusiast into a formal Catholic saint. The event is expected to draw thousands of young people inspired by Acutis’ unique approach to faith.
Born in London and raised in Milan, Acutis gained international recognition for creating a groundbreaking website documenting Catholic miracles before his death from leukemia in 2006. His technological prowess and deep spiritual commitment earned him the moniker “God’s influencer.”
The Vatican confirmed Acutis will be canonized alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, another young Catholic who died at 24 in 1925. Two verified miracles — a healing in Brazil and another involving a Costa Rican student’s recovery from a traumatic head injury — paved his path to sainthood.
“He represents a bridge between traditional faith and modern communication,” said Vatican spokesperson Maria Rossetti. “Acutis shows young people that spirituality and technology can coexist meaningfully.”
Dressed invariably in jeans and sneakers, Acutis symbolizes an accessible, contemporary approach to sanctity. His mother, Antonia Salzano, previously highlighted his compassion, noting his volunteer work with homeless individuals in Milan.
The canonization comes amid growing religious interest among Generation Z, with recent surveys in the United States and United Kingdom indicating increased spiritual curiosity among younger demographics.
Acutis’ journey from a teenage computer enthusiast to a saint reflects the Catholic Church’s evolving strategy to connect with younger generations through relatable narratives of faith and service.
The September ceremony promises to be a historic moment, celebrating a saint who understood the power of digital communication long before it became mainstream.
