What's happened
On September 7, 2025, Pope Leo XIV canonized Carlo Acutis, a London-born teenager who died of leukemia in 2006, during a Mass at St. Peter’s Square attended by tens of thousands. Acutis, known as “God’s Influencer,” used technology to document Eucharistic miracles and is hailed as a relatable role model for young Catholics. The ceremony also canonized Pier Giorgio Frassati, noted for his charity.
What's behind the headline?
A Modern Saint for a Digital Age
Carlo Acutis represents a significant shift in the Catholic Church’s approach to sainthood, embodying a bridge between traditional faith and contemporary digital culture. His canonization under Pope Leo XIV signals the Church’s intent to engage younger generations by elevating a figure who combined deep religious devotion with technological savvy.
The Church’s Strategic Messaging
By canonizing Acutis alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, known for his charity, the Church highlights diverse models of holiness—both digital engagement and social service. This dual focus addresses modern challenges: the digital world’s risks and the enduring call to serve the marginalized.
Impact on Catholic Youth and Beyond
Acutis’s story resonates globally, especially among millennials and Gen Z, who see in him a relatable role model navigating faith and technology. His preserved tomb in Assisi, dressed casually, reinforces his ordinariness and accessibility.
Potential Controversies and Challenges
While Acutis’s promotion is largely positive, some Jewish and interfaith critics have raised concerns about the Eucharistic miracles he documented, which have historical antisemitic connotations. The Church’s handling of these narratives will be critical to maintaining broader interreligious dialogue.
Forecast
The canonization will likely boost pilgrimage to Assisi and invigorate youth engagement initiatives within the Church. Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on unity and reconciliation, including outreach to conservative factions, suggests a broader strategy to heal divisions and modernize the Church’s image without alienating traditionalists.
What the papers say
The Independent provides a detailed portrait of Carlo Acutis’s life and the significance of his canonization, noting the large turnout in St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican’s campaign to promote him as a relatable figure for young Catholics. It highlights his technological achievements and devotion, quoting his mother describing his ordinary yet extraordinary life. The South China Morning Post and The Japan Times emphasize the mass attendance and the appeal of Acutis to millennials, with the former dubbing him “God’s Influencer” and noting his pioneering website documenting Eucharistic miracles. The Times of Israel adds nuance by discussing concerns raised about the antisemitic roots of some Eucharistic miracle narratives Acutis documented, providing a critical perspective on the Church’s promotion of these stories. The NY Post offers a comprehensive overview of the canonization ceremony, detailing the miracles attributed to Acutis and Frassati and the significance of their sainthood. It also notes the postponement due to Pope Francis’s death and the global interest in Acutis as a modern saint. Together, these sources paint a multifaceted picture of the event, blending celebration, religious significance, and emerging controversies.
How we got here
Carlo Acutis, born in 1991 in London and raised in Milan, was a devout Catholic who used his computer skills to create a website documenting Eucharistic miracles. He died of leukemia at 15 in 2006. Pope Francis had advanced his sainthood cause, seeing him as a figure to engage young Catholics in the digital age. The canonization was delayed after Francis’s death in April 2025 and was the first saint-making Mass of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate.
Go deeper
- Who was Carlo Acutis and why is he called 'God’s Influencer'?
- What is the significance of Pier Giorgio Frassati’s canonization alongside Acutis?
- How is the Catholic Church using Acutis’s story to engage young people?
Common question
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Who Are the Young Saints Canonized by Pope Leo XIV?
Recently, Pope Leo XIV canonized two remarkable young saints—Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati—in a historic ceremony in Assisi, Italy. These saints are celebrated not only for their faith but also for their modern approach to spirituality and service. Curious about who they were and why their sainthood matters today? Keep reading to discover their stories and the significance of their canonization.
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Why Are New Saints Like Carlo Acutis Important Today?
The canonization of modern saints like Carlo Acutis highlights how the Catholic Church recognizes individuals who inspire faith in contemporary ways. With his use of technology and relatable story, Acutis has become a symbol for young Catholics seeking to connect faith and modern life. But why does the Church continue to canonize new saints today, and what impact do they have on believers? Below, we explore the significance of recent canonizations and what they mean for the Church and its followers.
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What Do Recent Canonizations Tell Us About Modern Saints?
Recent canonizations, like that of Carlo Acutis, highlight how the Catholic Church is recognizing saints who reflect contemporary values and challenges. These new saints often share qualities that resonate with today’s society, such as relatability, faith in the digital age, and a commitment to charity. But what do these recent canonizations reveal about the evolving understanding of sainthood? Below, we explore how modern saints are shaping the future of faith and what their stories mean for believers today.
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How Is Technology Changing the Way Saints Are Canonized?
The process of canonization has traditionally been a lengthy and complex journey within the Catholic Church. However, recent developments show that technology is now playing a significant role in shaping modern sainthood. From digital documentation of miracles to social media influence, explore how modern tools are transforming the path to sainthood and inspiring faith in new ways.
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Why Did Pope Leo XIV Canonize Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati Now?
The recent canonization of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati by Pope Leo XIV has sparked curiosity worldwide. Many wonder what makes these saints so significant today and why the Church chose this moment for their sainthood. In this page, we explore the reasons behind their canonization, who these individuals were, and what their sainthood means for Catholics and the wider community. Keep reading to find out more about this historic event and its implications.
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Who was Carlo Acutis and why is he called 'God’s Influencer'?
Carlo Acutis was a young Catholic who gained fame for his innovative use of technology to share his faith. His life story inspires many, especially young people, as he combined devotion with digital skills. Recently canonized by Pope Leo XIV, Acutis is celebrated as a modern saint who connected faith and technology in a unique way. Below, we explore what made him famous, why he's considered a role model, and what lessons we can learn from his life.
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What does canonization involve and why is it important?
Canonization is the process by which the Catholic Church officially recognizes someone as a saint. It involves a detailed investigation of the person's life, virtues, and miracles attributed to them. Understanding how saints are canonized helps believers appreciate the significance of sainthood and what it means for the Church and its followers. Curious about the steps involved and why this process matters? Keep reading to find out.
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How do saints like Carlo Acutis inspire young Catholics today?
The canonization of Carlo Acutis has sparked interest in how modern saints influence young Catholics. As a teenager who used technology to deepen his faith, Acutis exemplifies how contemporary figures can motivate the next generation. Many wonder how his story and others like him can inspire faith, charity, and devotion among today's youth. Below, we explore key questions about modern sainthood and its impact on young believers.
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