Teen tech prodigy Carlo Acutis declared Catholic saint
Vatican City
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday declared Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old computer whiz known as “God’s Influencer,” the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint. Acutis, who died of leukemia in 2006, was canonized during a massive open-air Mass in St. Peter’s Square, attended by tens of thousands, including many young Catholics and families.
The canonization also included Pier Giorgio Frassati, an Italian who dedicated his short life to serving the poor before dying at 24 in 1925. The Vatican said over 36 cardinals, 270 bishops, and hundreds of priests joined Pope Leo in the ceremony, reflecting the saints’ strong appeal among both clergy and ordinary faithful.
Carlo Acutis, born in London in 1991 to an Italian family, showed an early passion for computer science. He built a popular multilingual website documenting Eucharistic miracles, earning his reputation as a digital evangelizer. Despite his youth, he combined technical skill with deep religious devotion, often spending hours in prayer.
Nicknamed “God’s Influencer,” Acutis became a role model for young Catholics seeking faith in the digital age. Pilgrims frequently visit his tomb in Assisi, where he lies in jeans, sneakers, and a sweatshirt — a modern image of sainthood that resonates with youth.
Pope Francis, who died earlier this year, strongly supported Acutis’s sainthood, convinced his example could inspire new generations.
For many young attendees, the moment felt personal. “It’s important to have him as an influencer,” said Leopoldo Antimi, 27, of Rome. Others, like schoolchildren from the U.S., said they now look to Carlo for guidance.
The Church hopes his canonization bridges faith and technology, offering inspiration to millennials worldwide.
