In the era dominated by social media influencers, Carlo Acutis shines as a unique figure—a heavenly influencer, if you will—acknowledged by Pope Francis for his virtuous life and the miraculous help he’s believed to provide.
Born in London in 1991 and raised in Milan, Carlo was a teenager of the digital age, deeply committed to his faith and skilled with technology. Despite his short life, he displayed remarkable spiritual wisdom and had a clear mission to spread the message of Christianity through the internet.
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Carlo Acutis: Early Life and Devotion
Carlo Acutis came into the world on May 3, 1991, in London, to Italian parents. While he was just a baby, his family relocated to Milan. Even from his earliest years, Carlo displayed a remarkable devotion to religion, which often caught his non-practicing parents off guard. By the tender age of seven, he was already demonstrating a profound love for the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary. Known for his innate kindness, generosity, and compassionate concern for the less fortunate, Carlo left an indelible impression on those around him.
The Tech-Savvy Evangelist
Carlo’s passion for technology propelled him to become a skilled web developer. One of his notable achievements was creating a website that cataloged Eucharistic miracles. This site has been translated into numerous languages and even served as the backbone for an exhibition that traveled globally. Thanks to his innovative approach, Carlo earned the moniker “God’s influencer,” highlighting how he effectively utilized his talents to share the Catholic faith across the internet.
Tragic Yet Inspiring End
At just 15 years old, Carlo received the devastating diagnosis of leukemia. Despite the gravity of his illness, he confronted it with remarkable grace, offering up his pain and struggles for the Pope and the Church. Sadly, on October 12, 2006, Carlo passed away, but his impact and inspiration lived on. Before his passing, he expressed his final wish—to be laid to rest in Assisi, the birthplace of his namesake, Saint Francis of Assisi.
Path to Sainthood
Carlo’s journey towards beatification commenced in 2013, following the customary five-year waiting period after his passing, as per Catholic Church protocol. Then, in 2020, he was officially beatified after a miracle was attributed to him—the miraculous healing of a young Brazilian boy who suffered from a congenital digestive tract disorder.
Pope Francis’ Recognition
In 2024, Pope Francis acknowledged a second miracle attributed to Carlo, this time involving the remarkable recovery of a woman from Costa Rica who had sustained a severe head injury. This significant recognition cleared the path for Carlo to be canonized, marking him as the first saint of the millennial generation.
Legacy and Influence
Carlo Acutis’ life and contributions resonate deeply with believers, especially the younger generation. His journey exemplifies how one can lead a life of sanctity in today’s fast-paced world, leveraging modern tools to honor both God and humanity. Being hailed as the first millennial saint, Carlo embodies a connection between the timeless traditions of the Church and the ever-evolving digital landscape, inspiring a new wave of faith and devotion among today’s youth.
