Vatican Announces Canonization Date for First Millennial Saint Carlo Acutis

The Vatican has officially revealed that Carlo Acutis will be canonized on September 7, making him the first millennial saint in history. This announcement was made by Pope Leo XIV during a meeting with cardinals.

Carlo Acutis, who passed away at just 15 years old due to leukemia in 2006, is being celebrated for his dedication to the Church and his innovative spirit. The announcement comes after a brief delay following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. Acutis was originally scheduled to be canonized on April 27 during the Vatican’s Jubilee of Teenagers.

A Remarkable Young Life

During his short life, Acutis embraced the essence of a typical teenager while devoting significant time to Church activities and community service. He was known for teaching Catholicism at local churches and for his volunteer efforts to assist the homeless.

Utilizing his skills in computer coding, Acutis developed a website that catalogs over 100 eucharistic miracles recognized by the Catholic Church. This initiative showcased his blend of faith and technology, highlighting the miracles that have touched the lives of many.

Miracles and Intercession

Acutis’s journey toward sainthood is highlighted by his mother, Antonia, who shared a poignant story about an extraordinary intercession. Four years after his passing, she described how she had a dream in which Carlo reassured her she would become a mother again. Shortly after this dream, she unexpectedly became pregnant.

This touching narrative illustrates the profound impact Carlo’s life and legacy continue to have on those around him.

Furthermore, on May 23, 2024, the Vatican recognized a second miracle attributed to Acutis’s intercession. The miracle involved a 21-year-old Costa Rican woman, Valeria Valverde, who sustained a severe brain injury in a bicycle accident.

Valeria Valverde’s Recovery

Valverde was living in Florence, Italy, when the tragic accident occurred, leading to fears for her survival. However, after her mother prayed for Acutis’s intercession at his tomb, Valverde made an astonishing recovery that defied expectations.

This miracle not only reinforces Acutis’s significance in modern Catholicism but also highlights his deep-rooted connection with young people, many of whom have visited his tomb in Assisi.

A New Era for the Catholic Church

As the Vatican prepares to welcome Carlo Acutis into the Book of Saints, his canonization marks a pivotal moment. He symbolizes a bridge between contemporary youth and traditional faith practices. His life story resonates with many, especially young Catholics navigating their faith in today’s world.

Acutis will be joined in the canonization ceremony by Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, further emphasizing the theme of youthful holiness that the Church is keen to promote.

Legacy of Carlo Acutis

Carlo Acutis’s legacy will likely inspire countless individuals. His dedication to sharing faith through modern means, such as technology, serves as a powerful reminder that holiness can manifest in numerous forms.

The popularity of Acutis among younger audiences reflects a growing desire for relatable figures in the Church who embody both faith and modernity. His story encourages young people to integrate their passions with their spiritual beliefs, promoting active engagement with their communities.

Final Thoughts

As the canonization date approaches, the attention continues to build around Acutis’s life and legacy. His story serves as an inspiration not only for future generations but also for a renewed perspective on what it means to live a life of faith in the 21st century.

With Acutis’s canonization imminent, the Catholic Church looks forward to embracing a figure who truly represents the hopes and struggles of today’s youth.

Fox News Digital’s Laura Carrione contributed to this story.