Vatican Declares First Millennial Saint: Carlo Acutis' Legacy Lives On

Vatican Declares "God's Influencer" First Millennial Saint In a historic ceremony held on September 7, 2025, Pope Leo XIV canonized Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager who died of leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15. This milestone marks the first time a millennial has been declared a saint by the Catholic Church. Acutis, known as "God's influencer" for his use of social media to spread the faith, was proclaimed a saint alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, an Italian mountaineering enthusiast who passed away from polio in 1925 at the age of 24. The ceremony, attended by tens of thousands of people including Acutis' family, took place in St Peter's Square. Pope Leo XIV emphasized the significance of these young saints, saying: "Saints Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis are an invitation to all of us, especially young people, not to squander our lives, but to direct them upwards and make them masterpieces." He added that despite their illnesses cutting short their lives, both men continued to love and offer themselves to God. Background and Context Carlo Acutis was born in London to Italian parents. He spent most of his life in Italy, where he developed a strong faith and used social media platforms to share his devotion with others. His online presence earned him the nickname "God's influencer." Acutis' family has been actively involved in promoting his sainthood since his death. The canonization of Acutis marks a significant shift in the Catholic Church's approach to social media and digital evangelism. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the Church is recognizing the potential for online platforms to spread faith and values. Additional Perspectives Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a theologian at the University of Rome, noted that Acutis' canonization highlights the importance of considering the role of technology in spiritual growth: "Carlo's story shows us that even in the digital age, we can use social media as a tool for spreading love and faith." Current Status and Next Developments The Vatican has announced plans to establish a new commission focused on exploring the intersection of technology and spirituality. The commission will be led by Pope Leo XIV and will include experts from various fields, including theology, computer science, and communications. As the Catholic Church continues to navigate the complexities of the digital age, the canonization of Carlo Acutis serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for faith and technology to intersect in meaningful ways. *Reporting by Dw.*