Pope Leo to Canonize Teen Tech Whiz Carlo Acutis as Saint

Pope Leo is set to canonize Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old computer prodigy known as “God’s influencer,” during an open-air mass in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on Sunday. This milestone event marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church, aiming to provide a relatable role model for the next generation of Catholics. The ceremony is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of attendees and will also celebrate the canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassati, another influential figure who died young.

Originally scheduled for earlier this year, both canonizations were postponed following the death of Pope Francis in April. Francis had been an ardent supporter of Acutis’s sainthood, believing that his story could inspire youth to engage with the faith amid the complexities of the digital landscape. Like his predecessor, Pope Leo has voiced concerns regarding technology, particularly the implications of artificial intelligence and the potential erosion of genuine human connections.

Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London to a wealthy Catholic family that was not particularly devout. Shortly after his birth, his family moved back to Milan, where he experienced a typical and joyful childhood, increasingly marked by a deepening religious devotion. From a young age, Acutis showed a keen interest in computer science, often immersing himself in college-level programming books.

He earned the affectionate title of “God’s Influencer” for his innovative project: a multilingual website that documented recognized Eucharistic miracles. At a time when such digital initiatives were mainly undertaken by professionals, Acutis’s work stood out as a remarkable contribution. He dedicated hours each day to prayer before the Eucharist, reflecting the Catholic Church’s efforts to revive the practice of Eucharistic adoration. Polls indicate that many Catholics struggle to believe in the physical presence of Christ in the Eucharist, making Carlo’s legacy even more significant.

In October 2006, Acutis fell ill with acute leukemia and passed away just days later. He was laid to rest in Assisi, a city known for its association with St. Francis, another beloved saint. Since his death, millions of young Catholics have traveled to Assisi, where they can visit his glass-sided tomb, where he is dressed in jeans, trainers, and a sweatshirt. Acutis’s modern image resonates with youth, who see him as an accessible role model.

“I may not be as great as Carlo, but I can look after him and ask myself, ‘What would Carlo do?’” said Leo Kowalsky, a secondary school student in Chicago affiliated with the Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish. Kowalsky expressed excitement about the canonization, noting the significance of being named after Pope Leo, who will preside over the ceremony for a beloved figure in his school community.

Alongside Acutis, Pier Giorgio Frassati will also be canonized. Frassati, who lived from 1901 to 1925, dedicated his short life to aiding the poor and sharing his faith with friends before succumbing to polio at the young age of 24.

The canonizations of Acutis and Frassati reflect the Church’s commitment to celebrating young saints who exemplify faith, service, and the ability to connect with contemporary issues. As the Catholic Church looks to engage a new generation, the stories of these two individuals offer a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of faith in an ever-changing world.