In a historic announcement, Pope Leo XIV declared that Carlo Acutis, a teenager who succumbed to leukemia in 2006, will be canonized as the Catholic Church's first millennial saint on September 7.
This significant event was initially slated for April 27 but was postponed due to the passing of Pope Francis, as reported by the Associated Press.
According to Breitbart, Acutis, who passed away in Italy after a brief struggle with leukemia, led a life that balanced typical teenage pursuits with acts of profound faith and charity. He was known for teaching catechism and aiding the homeless.
Notably, he also developed a website dedicated to cataloging over 100 Eucharistic Miracles recognized by the Church throughout history. His final resting place is in Assisi, where pilgrims can view his glass coffin, with Acutis dressed in casual attirea sweatshirt and jeans.
The late Pope Francis once described Acutis as a model for young people of the 21st century, a sentiment echoed in video footage showcasing moments from Acutis's life. EWTN highlighted this tribute, underscoring the young man's impact on his generation. Vatican News also reported that Acutis will be canonized alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, a revered figure from the early twentieth century.
The canonizations of the two young saintsone from the early twentieth century, the other the first twenty-first-century sainthave been greatly anticipated due to the great devotion among the faithful, the outlet noted.
Acutis's mother reflected on her son's life, stating, Definitely, Carlo was an ordinary child like everybody. He used to play, to have friends, to go to school. But his extraordinary was the fact that he opened the door of his heart to Jesus, and he put Jesus at the first place in his life. Her words capture the essence of a young man whose faith was both profound and transformative.
In May 2024, the Catholic News Agency elaborated on Acutis's unwavering commitment to Church teachings, noting his courage in defending life from conception during a classroom debate on abortion.
Many of Carlos high school classmates remember Carlo giving a passionate defense for the protection of life from the moment of conception when there was a classroom discussion about abortion, the article stated. This steadfast dedication to his beliefs further cements Acutis's legacy as a beacon of faith and conviction for future generations.
Login