Carlo Acutis, an Italian teen known for his love of video games, humor, and pets, was officially declared a saint on Sunday—making him the Catholic Church’s first millennial to receive the title.
Acutis, who died of leukemia at age 15 in 2006, used his computer skills to spread faith online by creating a website documenting Eucharistic miracles. His casual style—jeans, T-shirt, and sneakers—sets him apart from traditional images of saints, making him especially relatable to young Catholics worldwide.
Nicknamed “God’s influencer”, he showed how the internet could be a force for good. His canonization ceremony, overseen by Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, drew huge crowds of young people waving banners with his image.
Acutis’ story is also deeply personal: his mother recalls that he used pocket money to help the homeless, defended bullied classmates, and inspired her own conversion to stronger faith. Though raised in a non-religious household, his devotion stood out early.
Two miracles have been attributed to him: the healing of a Brazilian boy born with a digestive defect and the recovery of a Costa Rican girl who suffered a severe brain injury. These led to his rapid path to sainthood, far faster than the centuries-long process most candidates face.
His tomb in Assisi, where he is displayed in casual clothing, has become a pilgrimage site for nearly a million visitors yearly, with shrines to him appearing as far away as the U.S.
Supporters see him as a modern role model for Gen Z believers, while critics argue his cause reflects old traditions overly focused on miracles. Still, his popularity continues to grow, with many young Catholics inspired by his message: “All are born originals, but many die as photocopies.”
