A Saint for the Digital Age
Carlo Acutis was born in London in 1991 to Italian parents and raised in Milan. From a young age, he showed an extraordinary love for God, particularly for the Eucharist. His favorite phrase became a window into his soul:
“The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven.”
What makes Carlo unique is how he merged deep Catholic devotion with the digital world. A self-taught programmer, he used his skills to create one of the first comprehensive websites cataloging Eucharistic miracles around the globe. His goal was simple: to make the miracles of Christ accessible to everyone, especially the young and curious.
His Short but Powerful Life
Carlo lived like any other teen of his time—he loved video games, soccer, and spending time with friends. But he also set himself apart through daily Mass, praying the Rosary, and offering his sufferings for the Church.
In 2006, at only 15 years old, he was diagnosed with leukemia. Within days, his health declined. He offered his pain for Pope Benedict XVI and the Church, leaving behind a testimony of unwavering faith. Carlo passed away on October 12, 2006, and was buried in Assisi—the city of his beloved St. Francis.
Miracles Attributed to Carlo
For beatification, the Vatican investigated a miracle in Brazil where a boy with a rare pancreatic disorder was healed after prayers through Carlo’s intercession.
For canonization, another miracle was confirmed in Costa Rica: a young woman suffering severe head trauma after an accident recovered fully after her mother prayed at Carlo’s tomb.
These miracles, combined with his reputation for holiness, paved the way for today’s canonization.
Canonization in Rome – September 7, 2025
Today, Pope Leo XIV canonized Carlo Acutis at St. Peter’s Square in Rome. Tens of thousands of pilgrims—many of them young Catholics—filled the square, waving flags and chanting his name. The ceremony was marked by joy, music, and testimonies from those touched by his life.
Carlo is now officially recognized as Saint Carlo Acutis—the first millennial saint and a new patron for the digital world. His story reminds us that holiness is possible in every generation and that the internet can be a force for good when used for God’s glory.
Why Saint Carlo Matters Today
- For Youth: Carlo shows that sainthood is not limited to priests, nuns, or the elderly. Holiness is possible in sneakers and jeans.
- For the Digital World: His work online proves that the internet can spread light instead of darkness.
- For the Church: His canonization breathes new hope into the mission of reaching young people where they are.
Legacy of the Internet Saint
Carlo’s Eucharistic miracles website remains online and translated into over 20 languages. Pilgrims continue to visit his tomb in Assisi, where his body rests in a glass tomb, often described as “incorrupt” because of its remarkable preservation.
He once said:
“Everyone is born original, but many die as photocopies.”
Saint Carlo’s life calls each of us to embrace our unique call to holiness, using our gifts—digital or otherwise—for God.