Pope Leo XIV announced that Carlo Acutis, a prominent teenage computer expert, has been recognized as the first millennial saint
In a historic event, Pope Leo XIV canonized Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old computer whiz, as the Catholic Church's first millennial saint on Sunday. The open-air Mass in St. Peter's Square, attended by an estimated 80,000 people, marked a significant milestone in the church's tradition of popular piety.
Born on May 3, 1991, in London to a wealthy but not particularly observant Catholic family, Acutis showed an early interest in computer science. He created a multilingual website documenting Eucharistic miracles recognized by the church, earning him the title "Cyber-Apostle" from the Vatican. Before his death from acute leukemia in October 2006, at the age of 15, Acutis' website had already attracted a large following.
Since his death, Acutis' body has been entombed in Assisi, and young Catholics have flocked to see him. His influence on social networks is seen as important, particularly in Italy, by figures such as Leopoldo Antimi, a 27-year-old Roman. Antimi, moved by stories of Acutis' joy and light from his professors and teachers, believes Acutis' digital impact is significant.
Matthew Schmalz, professor of religious studies at Holy Cross college in Worcester, Massachusetts, stated that Acutis' canonization extends the church tradition of popular piety to the digital age. Schmalz described Acutis as an emblem or model of how Catholics should approach and use the digital world with discipline and traditional Catholic spirituality.
The saint-making ceremonies for Acutis were postponed following Pope Francis' death in April. The Mass for his canonization will be attended by 36 cardinals, 270 bishops, and hundreds of priests.
Leo Kowalsky, an 8th grader at a Chicago school attached to the Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish, expressed excitement about his namesake, Pope Leo, canonizing the patron of his school. Kowalsky stated that he sees Acutis as someone to emulate, asking himself "What would Carlo do?"
The Vatican's campaign to introduce a "saint next door" has found success in Carlo Acutis, a relatable tech-savvy millennial. Acutis, like the other saint being canonized on Sunday, Pier Giorgio Frassati, was praised for creating "masterpieces" out of their lives by dedicating them to God. Frassati, who lived from 1901-1925, is known for his devotion to serving the poor, carrying out acts of charity, and spreading his faith to his friends.
The canonization of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati marks a new era in the Catholic Church's approach to popular piety and the digital age. Their lives serve as a reminder of the potential for faith to shine brightly, even in the digital world.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Trump's Policies: Tariffs, AI, Surveillance, and Possible Martial Law
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
- Abdominal Fat Accumulation: Causes and Strategies for Reduction
