The world was on the brink of witnessing a spiritual and cultural milestone: the canonization of the first millennial saint. Carlo Acutis, known globally as “God’s Influencer,” was scheduled to be canonized on April 27, 2025, before the unexpected death of Pope Francis halted the sacred ceremony. This young British-Italian computer prodigy and devout Catholic had already touched millions of lives through his digital evangelization. His story is not just about sainthood but about how youth, technology, and faith can intersect to inspire a generation.
Who Is Carlo Acutis?
Carlo Acutis was born in London in 1991 and raised in Milan, Italy. From a very young age, he exhibited a profound spiritual depth that stood out among his peers. While most children were concerned with games and cartoons, Carlo developed an intense devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary. His deep faith, combined with his love for computers, would eventually shape his life’s mission.
His family described him as gentle, funny, and extraordinarily empathetic. Carlo often went out of his way to support classmates being bullied or those struggling with disabilities.
Childhood of a Digital Disciple
Carlo learned to code at the age of nine. By the time he was 11, he was building websites for his parish and cataloging miracles related to the Eucharist. He used his digital skills to compile over 100 cases of Eucharistic miracles into a multimedia presentation that has been displayed in thousands of churches around the world.
His combination of piety and digital fluency led to his nickname: God’s Influencer. Rather than chasing followers on social media, he focused on connecting people with their faith through the internet.
✅ Learn more about his Eucharistic miracles exhibition here.
Merging Faith and Technology
As a digital native, Carlo exemplified how millennial tools could be used for spiritual purposes. While many view technology as a distraction from faith, Carlo demonstrated its potential as a vessel for evangelization. He created apps, programmed religious websites, and edited Catholic videos that went viral in spiritual communities.
Through his efforts, many young Catholics began to see technology not as a barrier to holiness but as a bridge to a deeper relationship with God.
The Journey Toward Canonization
In 2020, Pope Francis beatified Carlo after recognizing the first miracle attributed to him—a young Brazilian boy cured of a pancreatic disease. In 2023, a second miracle was verified by the Vatican. A Costa Rican student who suffered from a traumatic brain injury made a complete recovery after his mother prayed at Carlo’s tomb.
These miracles set the stage for canonization, making Carlo eligible to become the first millennial saint.
✅ Read the Vatican’s announcement of the second miracle.
What Makes Him the First Millennial Saint?
Being born in 1991, Carlo Acutis represents the first saint from the millennial generation—a demographic marked by the rise of the internet, social media, and globalization. While saints of the past were often cloistered monks, martyrs, or missionaries, Carlo reflects a more contemporary expression of holiness: one that’s deeply personal, digital, and relevant to today’s youth.
Youth Pilgrimages and Global Devotion
Every year, thousands travel to Assisi to visit Carlo’s resting place. In 2024 alone, over 1 million pilgrims made the journey. The tomb is especially popular among teenagers, who see Carlo not just as a religious figure but as a role model who lived a life similar to their own.
This pilgrimage trend shows how the first millennial saint bridges the gap between traditional Catholicism and contemporary youth culture.
✅ Details about pilgrimages to Carlo’s tomb.
Verified Miracles and Vatican Recognition
Carlo’s verified miracles underscore the Vatican’s rigorous process of sainthood. For canonization, a second miracle was required—and duly recognized in 2023. The process involves medical reviews, theological analysis, and spiritual testimonies.
His rapid path to sainthood is almost unprecedented in the modern era and highlights the Church’s acknowledgment of his exceptional impact.
Carlo Acutis and Gen Z Catholicism
Carlo has become an emblem for Gen Z Catholics around the world. His memes, digital content, and relatable image (jeans, sneakers, and a backpack) make him more accessible than traditional religious figures.
Religious educators increasingly use his story to connect with young people and inspire digital faith-based projects.
Impact of Pope Francis’ Death
The canonization was scheduled for April 27, 2025, during the Vatican’s Jubilee of Teenagers. However, Pope Francis passed away on April 21, delaying the event indefinitely. The Vatican Press Office announced that all canonization ceremonies are suspended until a new pontiff is elected.
This unforeseen delay has only intensified public interest in Carlo’s story.
What Happens Next for Canonization?
Canonization ceremonies can only be presided over by a reigning pope. Once the next Pope is elected, one of the new pontiff’s earliest ceremonial roles could be to resume the canonization of Carlo Acutis.
Given the already completed paperwork and approval of miracles, there are no administrative hurdles remaining—only liturgical.
Global Reactions and Pilgrimage Trends
Since the postponement, the number of visitors to Assisi has surged. From India to the Philippines, Catholic youth groups are organizing special prayers and fasts, hoping to witness the long-awaited moment soon.
The digital world has also responded, with hashtags like #FirstMillennialSaint and #CanonizeCarlo trending globally.
Millennials and the Future of the Church
The potential canonization of a millennial marks a turning point. It shows the Church’s willingness to engage with contemporary life and embrace saints who lived in the age of smartphones and streaming.
This could open the door for more modern saints—those who reflect today’s social, ethical, and digital challenges.
The Significance of Being the First Millennial Saint
Carlo’s canonization isn’t just a spiritual event—it’s a cultural statement. It confirms that sainthood is not restricted to past centuries. Modern life, with all its distractions and complexities, can still produce saints who inspire and transform.
Carlo proves that sanctity doesn’t require isolation from the world. It can thrive in the heart of it.
Digital Legacy of Carlo Acutis
Today, Carlo’s online platforms continue to attract millions of visitors. His exhibitions are still circulated globally in multiple languages. Many Catholic websites and YouTube channels dedicate content to his life and teachings.
Even posthumously, his digital evangelization remains alive—earning him the title “patron saint of the internet” in many circles.
✅ Visit his official memorial site.
Carlo Acutis redefined what it means to be holy in a digital world. His life demonstrates that technology and faith are not mutually exclusive. While the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, millions are also holding onto hope—hope that soon, Carlo will officially become the first millennial saint.
The world awaits two monumental moments: the election of a new pope, and the canonization of a young man who brought the Church to the screen of every smartphone.
