Pope Leo XIV to Canonize Carlo Acutis, "God's Influencer" and First Millennial Catholic Saint

"God's Influencer" Carlo Acutis to Become First Millennial Catholic Saint VATICAN CITY - In a historic ceremony led by Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, September 6, 2025, Carlo Acutis will be canonized as the first millennial Catholic saint. The Italian teenager, known for his online presence and devotion to the faith, passed away in 2006 at the age of 15 due to leukemia. Tens of thousands of worshippers are expected to attend the ceremony in St. Peter's Square, where Acutis' story will be celebrated as a testament to the power of faith and technology. "Carlo's life was a shining example of how one person can make a difference through their online presence," said Father Raffaele Nogara, a close family friend. "He used his coding skills to document miracles and share the Catholic faith with others, earning him the nickname 'God's Influencer'." Born in London in 1991 to Italian parents, Acutis grew up in Milan, where he developed an interest in computing and online evangelism. He taught himself basic coding and created a website to share his devotion to the Eucharist and other aspects of Catholicism. His online presence caught the attention of many, including Pope Leo XIV, who has praised Acutis' innovative approach to spreading the faith. Acutis' story also highlights the intersection of technology and spirituality in modern society. "Carlo's life shows us that faith and technology are not mutually exclusive," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a theologian at the University of Rome. "In fact, they can complement each other beautifully, as we see in Carlo's use of coding to share his devotion." The canonization ceremony marks a significant milestone for the Catholic Church, which has been grappling with how to engage with younger generations through technology. Acutis' story serves as a model for how faith and online presence can intersect, inspiring a new generation of Catholics to explore the intersection of spirituality and technology. As the Vatican continues to navigate the complexities of digital evangelism, Acutis' legacy will undoubtedly be remembered as a pioneering effort in using technology to spread the Catholic faith. The canonization ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, September 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time in St. Peter's Square. Background and Context Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London to Italian parents. He grew up in Milan, where he developed an interest in computing and online evangelism. In 2006, at the age of 15, Acutis passed away due to leukemia. His family and friends have continued to share his story and legacy through social media and online platforms. Additional Perspectives Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a theologian at the University of Rome, notes that Acutis' life shows us that faith and technology are not mutually exclusive. "Carlo's use of coding to share his devotion is a testament to the power of innovation in spreading the Catholic faith," she said. Father Raffaele Nogara, a close family friend, praises Acutis' online presence as a model for how one person can make a difference through technology. "Carlo's life was a shining example of how one person can use their online presence to spread the faith and inspire others," he said. Current Status and Next Developments The canonization ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, September 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time in St. Peter's Square. Tens of thousands of worshippers are expected to attend, marking a significant milestone for the Catholic Church as it continues to navigate the complexities of digital evangelism. As the Vatican looks to the future, Acutis' legacy will undoubtedly be remembered as a pioneering effort in using technology to spread the Catholic faith. His story serves as a model for how faith and online presence can intersect, inspiring a new generation of Catholics to explore the intersection of spirituality and technology. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*