Carlo Acutis, a London-born boy, has become the first millennial saint, celebrated during a ceremony presided over by Pope Leo. Acutis gained the title for his dedication to documenting 'miracles' through his tech-savvy approach. His canonization was initially set for late April but was postponed due to the passing of Pope Francis.
Following his death, an estimated one million pilgrims have visited Assisi, Italy, where his body is preserved, with many also flocking to Our Lady of Dolours Church in Chelsea, London, where he was baptized as an infant.
Born in 1991, Carlo moved to Italy as a baby but left a mark in London, where the church has now set up a shrine in his memory. He grew up to be a tech enthusiast, known for playing video games, and created a website tracing miracles for spreading the Catholic faith.
Despite his youthful zeal, Carlo’s life was cut short due to leukemia at the age of 15. His mother, Antonia, actively campaigned for his sainthood, gathering testimonials of miraculous healings attributed to him. With Pope Francis attributing two miracles to Carlo, the canonization process accelerated, and the Vatican views Carlo as a beacon for youth engagement in the church.
The relationship many young Catholics feel with him, as 'God's influencer,' reflects a modern shift in how saints are perceived, emphasizing relatability, especially among youth who see their own interests mirrored in his legacy.
