The bishop of Assisi, Monsignor Domenico Sorrentino, has filed a complaint regarding the online auction of relics attributed to Carlo Acutis, a young Italian who will be canonized as a saint on April 27, 2025. The complaint has been forwarded to the Perugia Public Prosecutor's Office, led by Raffaele Cantone, which has already begun investigations into the matter.
Carlo Acutis, who died at the tender age of 15 from fulminant leukemia in 2006, is known as the "patron of the Internet" due to his innovative use of technology to spread the Christian faith. His body is currently housed in the Sanctuary of the Spogliazione in Assisi. The news of the auction, which reportedly included a lock of hair from Acutis, has raised significant concerns among the faithful and church authorities alike.
In his statement, Sorrentino expressed his dismay at the commercialization of relics, stating, "I had read about a trade in relics, and I did my research and found that there was indeed online commerce. I thought to myself: true or not, this type of commerce should not be encouraged. I filed the complaint with the Prosecutor because this is an offense to our religious sentiment. If there are any criminal implications, that will be determined through investigation. I felt it was necessary to respond strongly and I reported it."
The relics were reportedly sold for 2,110 euros, with 17 bids placed on the eBay listing. The anonymous seller had advertised the item as a "relic reliquary" of Carlo Acutis, complete with a certificate. This incident has sparked outrage, as the sale of relics is prohibited by canon law.
Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, the prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, condemned the auction, labeling the commerce of relics as "abominable" from both a moral and canonical perspective. He stated, "The very idea of trading in relics is something that should be condemned. Authentic relics must have a wax seal and a certificate of authenticity, and they should be provided free of charge, without any monetary exchange."
Carlo Acutis was beatified on October 10, 2020, after a miracle attributed to his intercession was recognized. The miracle involved a Costa Rican girl who experienced a miraculous recovery from a severe head injury after her mother prayed to Acutis. His life, characterized by a deep faith and a passion for technology, has inspired many young people worldwide.
The upcoming canonization ceremony is set to take place in St. Peter's Square during the Jubilee of Adolescents. While there is uncertainty regarding Pope Francis's attendance, due to his recent health issues and recovery from pneumonia, Sorrentino remains hopeful. He remarked, "I am confident that something that the Pope has valued so much will not be missed, even if it means making a brief appearance in St. Peter's Square. We continue to pray for his health."
Sorrentino noted that it is not necessary for the Pope to be physically present for the canonization to take place, but a written declaration from him would suffice. "It is not the celebration itself, but the declaration that matters," he added.
Carlo Acutis's story resonates with many because he exemplified a life of holiness through everyday actions. His mother, Antonia Salzano, described him as a "normal boy who opened his heart to Christ and made his normality holy." The family, which divides its time between Milan and Assisi, has been touched by the outpouring of devotion from people around the world who pray to Carlo and share stories of his miracles.
Since his beatification, Acutis's tomb has become a pilgrimage site, attracting thousands of visitors each year. His legacy continues to inspire hope and faith among the youth, encouraging them to embrace their spirituality in a modern context. As the canonization date approaches, the church community is united in prayer and anticipation, hoping for a celebration that honors Acutis's remarkable life and the impact he has had on others.
This incident involving the auction of his relics has sparked a broader conversation about the authenticity and commercialization of sacred items. The church emphasizes the importance of vigilance against fraudulent relics and urges clergy and laity alike to report any suspicious activities regarding the sale of relics. The call for collaboration aims to protect the sanctity of religious artifacts and ensure that the focus remains on the spiritual significance of figures like Carlo Acutis.
As the church moves forward with the preparations for the canonization, the focus remains on honoring Acutis's life and legacy rather than the unfortunate events surrounding the auction of his relics. The hope is that the upcoming ceremony will serve as a reminder of the values he stood for and inspire a new generation to live out their faith with conviction.
