Pope Francis has recently taken a significant step in the Catholic Church's ongoing mission by paving the way for the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis. Acutis holds the special distinction of being the first millennial to be recognized by the Church as a potential saint. His story has captivated many, particularly given his young age and remarkable dedication to his faith.
The recognition of a miracle attributed to Acutis’s intercession was officially announced on May 23, 2024. This milestone event not only highlights Acutis's growing legacy within the Church but also sets the stage for his canonization, which might take place during the upcoming Jubilee Year celebrations of 2025. The miracle recognized involved the healing of a young woman named Valeria Valverde, a 21-year-old Costa Rican student who was severely injured in a bicycle accident while studying abroad in Florence.
According to reports from the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, the incident was quite dire. Valeria suffered from life-threatening injuries after a serious head trauma, leading to an emergency craniotomy to alleviate intracranial pressure. The grim outlook provided by the medical team indicated there was a high probability that she could die from the injuries. In search of hope, Valeria's mother made a pilgrimage to Assisi to pray for her daughter's recovery at the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis.
Remarkably, on the same day as her mother’s prayers, Valeria began to show signs of improvement. Just six days after the accident, she regained the ability to breathe on her own and re-gained partial movement and speech. She was discharged from the intensive care unit within ten days, and subsequent medical evaluations revealed that her brain injuries had miraculously healed — defying previous medical predictions. Two months after the accident, Valeria and her mother returned to Assisi to express gratitude for the miraculous healing attributed to Acutis.
Born on May 3, 1991, in London to Italian parents, Acutis’s family returned to Milan shortly after his birth. He developed an early passion for technology, often combining this with his deep religious faith. Growing up, he was known not only for his computer skills but also for his profound devotion to the Eucharist, which he famously described as the “highway to heaven.” Acutis had an extraordinary ability to connect his love of technology with his faith, creating websites and projects aimed at promoting devotion to the Eucharist.
His pivotal life mission was to document and showcase Eucharistic miracles around the world through an online resource he developed. His commitment to this cause was so strong that it earned him admiration and respect from many within the Church community. This joy and energy he radiated has left a lasting impact on his peers and even led some to return to or embrace their faith because of his influence.
Following his battle with leukemia, Acutis passed away after being diagnosed at the young age of 15. His journey through illness was marked by poignant expressions of faith, as, just before his death, he offered his sufferings for the pope and the Church, hoping to reach heaven directly rather than enduring purgatory.
In addition to the healing of Valeria, another miracle attributed to Acutis occurred in 2013 involving a young boy in Brazil, who reportedly experienced a miraculous recovery from a serious illness. These miracles are crucial milestones in the canonization process, a journey that begins with beatification — where an individual is recognized as “Blessed.” Acutis was beatified in October 2020 during a grand ceremony attended by thousands in Assisi.
The announcement from Pope Francis regarding Acutis’s potential canonization has sparked excitement among Catholics around the world. Many view Acutis as a relatable figure, a millennial saint who closely mirrors the contemporary challenges faced by young Christians today. His life serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for youth navigating the complexities of modernity.
According to Vatican journalist and author Courtney Mares, the acknowledgment of Acutis’s miracles and his impending canonization could serve as a much-needed example for today’s youth, illustrating how holiness can manifest in the digital age. “Carlo's life provides Christians with a concrete example of what sanctity can look like in the 21st century,” Mares remarked. She emphasized that his rootedness in prayer and sacraments allowed him to approach technology healthily and responsibly.
The excitement surrounding Acutis also lies in his ability to engage with the youth of the world. Some commentators note that his interests in gaming and popular culture create a connection with the younger audience, making his story relatable. The impact he had on his friends and family through his joyful sharing of faith remains palpable, and many have publicly testified to how his witness brought them closer to God.
Prominent figures have echoed similar sentiments of admiration and recognition for Acutis's contributions and potential. Katie McGrady, an author, and podcaster, reflected on the joy she feels in knowing Acutis lived in a time similar to hers, sharing pop culture interests while simultaneously maintaining a deep love for his faith. “The world needs the witness of this millennial saint,” she stated, affirming that Acutis’s narrative is a gift of inspiration to many.
While the Church acknowledges that all individuals in heaven are technically saints, the canonization process serves to formally recognize those who led exemplary lives reflective of Catholic values. This rigorous procedure includes an examination of a person's life, their teachings, and the miracles attributed to them, confirming their ability to intercede for others in heaven.
As the Church prepares for the anticipated canonization of Acutis, his legacy continues to grow through teachings, prayers, and renewed advocacies that underscore the importance of combining faith with daily life. Many anticipate that his elevation to sainthood will serve as a reminder to the faithful that one can live authentically in both the modern world and the teachings of the Church.
The canonization of Carlo Acutis marks not just a personal milestone but also a cultural moment for the Church, illustrating how faith continues to evolve alongside modern society. The recognition of his miracles paints a hopeful narrative of recovery and faith, encouraging believers to seek guidance and inspiration through saints such as Acutis. With his impending canonization, many are excited to witness how his story will further touch the hearts of countless individuals, reminding them that holiness can exist amidst the noise and challenges of everyday life.