Carlo Acutis: Teenage Tech Whiz to Become First Millennial Saint This September

Carlo Acutis, a British-born Italian teenager known for his deep Catholic faith and love of video games, is set to make history on September 7 when he becomes the first millennial saint in the Catholic Church. His canonization ceremony will take place in St. Peter’s Square, and will be led by Pope Leo XIV—the first American pontiff and the first canonization of his papacy.

It’s a milestone moment for the Church and for a new generation of Catholics who see in Carlo a saint who looks, sounds, and lived like them.

A 21st-Century Saint in Sneakers

Born in London in 1991 and raised in Milan, Carlo Acutis was just like many teens—he loved computers, video games, and his golden retriever. But he also had an unusual spiritual depth. From a young age, he was drawn to the Catholic faith, attending daily Mass, praying the Rosary, and reading Scripture—all on his own initiative.

Carlo was diagnosed with leukemia at age 15, and though his illness progressed rapidly, he bore it with remarkable peace. He offered his suffering “for the pope and the Church,” saying, “I’m happy to die because I’ve lived my life without wasting even a minute on things that don’t please God.”

“God’s Influencer”: Using the Web for Evangelism

Carlo’s faith wasn’t just private—it was digital. Before his death in 2006, he created a website cataloguing Eucharistic miracles, aiming to help others understand and appreciate the mystery of the Catholic Mass. His skill with technology earned him the nickname “God’s Influencer”, and today he’s considered a patron of the digital age.

Often depicted in jeans, sneakers, and a hoodie, Carlo stands out from the robed icons of traditional sainthood. For young Catholics—and especially Gen Z—he feels relatable, real, and modern.

The Road to Sainthood: Two Miracles and a Global Following

To be canonized, a person must have two miracles formally attributed to them. Carlo’s path was fast-tracked after two remarkable healings were linked to prayers for his intercession:

• The first occurred in Brazil, where a young boy suffering from a congenital condition that impaired his eating was suddenly healed after his mother prayed to Carlo. This led to his beatification—the second-to-last step to sainthood—in 2020.
• The second took place in Italy, involving a Costa Rican girl who sustained a severe head injury after falling off a bicycle while studying in Florence. Her mother prayed at Carlo’s tomb in Assisi, and the girl went on to make a full and unexplained recovery. Pope Francis approved the miracle in May 2024, clearing the final hurdle for canonization.

Not Just Miracles: A Life of Quiet Charity

Carlo’s sainthood isn’t just about miracles. His mother, Antonia Salzano, recalls how her son routinely gave his pocket money to the homeless and volunteered at soup kitchens. He didn’t seek recognition; he simply tried to live out his faith in small, concrete acts of kindness.

“He didn’t talk about faith—he practiced it,” Antonia has said. “He helped the poor, defended his classmates, and offered his illness with courage. He was a boy rooted in the everyday.”

A Generation Seeks Something More

Carlo’s canonization arrives at a time when Gen Z—often labeled as the most secular generation—is showing renewed interest in spirituality. Surveys in the U.S. and U.K. reveal a growing curiosity about Catholicism, particularly its mysticism, moral clarity, and ancient rituals.

In Carlo, many young people see someone who successfully blended modern life with ancient faith. He didn’t retreat from the world—he engaged with it, offering an example of how holiness can look in the 21st century.

A Day of Firsts at the Vatican

September 7 will mark a day of powerful symbolism for the Catholic Church. Not only will Carlo Acutis become the first millennial saint, but Pope Leo XIV, elected earlier this year, will preside over his first canonization ceremony. He’ll also canonize Pier Giorgio Frassati, another young Italian known for his activism and charity before his death at age 24 in 1925.

Tens of thousands of pilgrims—especially youth—are expected to gather in Rome for the event. For many of them, Carlo has already become their spiritual role model, long before his official sainthood.

A Saint for the Digital Age

Carlo Acutis didn’t live long, but he lived well. His love of tech, his compassionate heart, and his joyful faith offer something unique to today’s Church: a saint who speaks the language of a new generation.

Whether you’re religious or not, his story is a powerful reminder of how one young life—lived with purpose and heart—can ripple far beyond its years.