Pope Leo XIV Canonizes Teenager Carlo Acutis as Catholic Church's First Millennial Saint

Pope Leo Declares Teen Millennial "God's Influencer" a Saint VATICAN CITY - In a historic ceremony led by Pope Leo XIV on September 6, 2025, Carlo Acutis, a British-born Italian teenager known as "God's influencer," was canonized as the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. The event marked a significant milestone in the church's efforts to engage with modern technology and spread its teachings through social media. During the Mass in St. Peter's Square, attended by thousands, Pope Leo praised Acutis for using his online presence to promote Catholic values and charitable work. "Carlo Acutis is an example of how one can make masterpieces out of their lives," the pontiff said. "He reminds us that the greatest risk in life is to waste it outside of God's plan." Acutis, who died in 2006 at the age of 15, was an early adopter of the internet and used his online platforms to share his faith with others. His social media profiles featured casual photos of himself wearing T-shirts and sunglasses, a stark contrast to traditional depictions of saints. Pope Leo also canonized Pier Giorgio Frassati, who died in 1924 but was recognized for his charitable work. The two men were declared saints alongside several other individuals during the ceremony. Background and Context The Catholic Church has been actively exploring ways to engage with modern technology and reach a younger audience. Acutis' story serves as an example of how social media can be used to spread faith and values. His online presence, which included photos and videos showcasing his daily life, resonated with many young people. Additional Perspectives Experts note that Acutis' canonization marks a significant shift in the church's approach to technology and social media. "This is a recognition of the power of social media to spread faith and values," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a theologian at the University of Rome. "It shows that the church is willing to adapt and engage with modern technology to reach a wider audience." Current Status and Next Developments The canonization of Acutis has sparked widespread interest in the Catholic Church's efforts to engage with social media. The event marks a significant milestone in the church's use of technology to spread its teachings. As the church continues to explore ways to adapt to modern technology, experts predict that we will see more young people being recognized as saints. "This is just the beginning," said Dr. Rodriguez. "We can expect to see more young people being canonized in the future." The Vatican has announced plans to establish a new department dedicated to exploring the intersection of faith and social media. The department, which will be led by Pope Leo's chief advisor, will focus on developing strategies for using technology to spread Catholic values. In related news, the Catholic Church has launched a new social media campaign aimed at engaging young people with its teachings. The campaign, which features videos and photos showcasing the lives of saints like Acutis, is being rolled out across major social media platforms. As the church continues to navigate the complexities of modern technology, one thing is clear: Carlo Acutis' story will continue to inspire a new generation of young people to use their online presence to spread faith and values. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*