What's happened
Pope Leo has announced the canonization date for Carlo Acutis, originally scheduled for April 27 but postponed due to Pope Francis's death. Acutis, who died at 15 in 2006, will be canonized on September 7, alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, during the 2025 Holy Year.
What's behind the headline?
Significance of Acutis's Canonization
- Youth Appeal: Acutis's story resonates with young Catholics, making him a relatable figure in the church.
- Cultural Impact: His use of technology to promote faith reflects modern engagement strategies within the church.
- Pilgrimage Site: His tomb in Assisi has become a significant pilgrimage destination, especially during the 2025 Holy Year, indicating a growing interest in contemporary saints.
Broader Implications
- Church's Direction: The canonization of young saints like Acutis and Frassati signals a shift towards recognizing modern figures who embody contemporary values.
- Future of Canonization: This event may influence how future saints are selected, focusing on their relevance to today's youth and their contributions to society.
What the papers say
According to the Associated Press, Pope Leo announced the canonization date during a consistory meeting, emphasizing Acutis's popularity among young Catholics. The Independent highlights Acutis's outreach efforts and his online exhibit on eucharistic miracles, showcasing his dual interests in technology and faith. The New York Post reiterates the significance of his tomb as a pilgrimage site, especially during the ongoing Holy Year, further underlining the cultural relevance of Acutis's canonization.
How we got here
Carlo Acutis, who passed away in 2006, gained popularity among young Catholics for his outreach efforts and online exhibits about eucharistic miracles. His canonization was delayed following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.
Go deeper
- What made Carlo Acutis popular among young Catholics?
- How does Acutis's story reflect modern faith practices?
- What is the significance of his tomb in Assisi?
More on these topics
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Carlo Acutis was an English-born Italian Catholic website designer best known for documenting Eucharistic miracles and approved Marian apparitions. He catalogued them on a website he created before his death from leukaemia.
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Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a sovereign country consisting of a peninsula delimited by the Alps and surrounded by several islands. Italy is located in south-central Europe, and is considered part of western Europe.
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Pope Francis is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State. Francis is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first pope from outside Europe since the Syrian Gregory