In a historic and emotional moment for the Catholic Church, 15-year-old Carlo Acutis, a British-born Italian boy known for his deep faith and computer skills, is set to become the Church’s first saint from the millennial generation. The canonization ceremony will take place on April 27 at St. Peter’s Square, with tens of thousands expected to attend. Vatican officials remain hopeful that Pope Francis, who is recovering from double pneumonia, will preside over the event.
Carlo, who died of leukemia in 2006, became globally known for using technology to spread Christian teachings. By the time he was a teenager, he had already mastered several coding languages and created websites for his parish and wider Church community. Despite his early death, his legacy only grew stronger — especially as reports of miracles began to emerge.
His mother, Antonia Salzano Acutis, recalled how Carlo led a seemingly normal life but stood out because of his unwavering devotion. “Carlo was an ordinary child like (others). He used to play, to have friends, and to go to school. But his extraordinary quality was the fact that he opened the door of his heart to Jesus and put Jesus in the first place in his life,” she told Reuters.
His life took on new meaning after his death. One of the miracles attributed to him involved a 4-year-old Brazilian boy with a serious pancreatic condition who was healed after prayers were offered in Carlo’s name. In another case, a 21-year-old Costa Rican woman recovered from life-threatening injuries after a bicycle accident, which her mother credits to Acutis’ intercession.
Moved by his final wish, Carlo’s body was laid to rest in the sacred town of Assisi. His remains are now displayed in a glass casket, dressed in a tracksuit, jeans, and sneakers — a reminder of the modern-day saint that young believers can relate to. “He used this skill to spread the good news, the Gospel,” his mother added. “He wanted to help people to have more faith, to understand that there is an afterlife, that we are (pilgrims) in this world.”
Acutis’ story resonates deeply with today’s youth. “I felt great emotion at seeing a boy younger than me who lived a happy life … despite his sickness,” said 18-year-old Emanuele Iaquaniello. Another teen, Lorenzo Dalia, said, “I was left dumbfounded seeing such great faith at this age.”
Bishop Domenico Sorrentino, who leads the Catholic diocese of Assisi, believes Carlo’s appeal lies in his simplicity and authenticity. “The world is (showing) great interest for this young man,” he said. “I think that’s starting from his smile.”
However, the upcoming canonization has also brought its share of concerns. Fake relics — purportedly parts of Carlo’s clothes or body — have surfaced for sale online, including on eBay. “Horrible,” Sorrentino said, condemning the practice and asking police to take action.
Carlo’s story is not just about sainthood; it’s a reminder of how faith, humility, and modern tools can come together to leave a timeless impact. And as the world watches him ascend to sainthood, his message is clear: “One must always be united with Jesus. That’s my life’s plan.”
