Saint Carlo Acutis: The first millennial among the saints!

Saint Carlo Acutis: The first millennial among the saints!

On Sunday, April 20, 2025, Carlo Acutis is canonized in the Vatican. This solemn ceremony has found great response both in the Catholic community and among young people worldwide. Carlo Acutis, who died of leukemia in 2006 at the age of only 15, is recognized as the first saint from the generation of millennials (born between 1980 and 1999). Radio Herford reports that various figures of acutis are already being sold in Assisi for 45 euros.

The Italian young person was born in London in 1991 and grew up in Milan. He found his faith early on and received the first communion at the age of seven. At a Jesuit school, he not only developed computer programs for the church, but also created a database with miracles and installed a rosary program on his laptop. His deep convictions show his commitment to faith and his views, such as the recommendation to friends, not visiting porn sites.

The way to canonize

The canonization of acutis is an exciting event that takes place at a Holy Year event for teenagers from April 25th to 27th. Pope Francis had already announced the announcement during a general audience on St. Peter's Square that Acutis will be canoned next Sunday. The Pope wanted to manage the ceremony personally, but has to be spare after pneumonia. katholisch.de informs about the important role of Acutis as "cyber-apostle" and "Internet patron".

For canonization, it is necessary that the candidate is attributed to a miracle. In Acutis' case, the healing of a child from Brazil and a young woman from Costa Rica were recognized as a miracle. This shows the controversy that came up with the speed of his canonization, as well as concerns about the piety of acutis. Voices from his environment, including a school friend, expressed doubts that he often talked about Jesus.

a lasting memory

The preparations for canonization arouse great interest. Numerous souvenirs are sold in Assisi, where Acutis ’mortal remains in a sarcophagus in the Santa Maria Maggiore pilgrimage church. In addition to figures, there are also T-shirts, medallions and refrigerator magnets with reference to acutis. An even more scandal -loving incident shows the obsession that has arisen around himself: A supposed Locke of Acutis was offered online for 2,110 euros, which led to a criminal complaint by the bishop of Assisi.

Carlo Acutis is seen as a model for today's youth, and his story inspires many young people to deal with their faith. His way of life, combined with the use of technology, shows that faith also has its place in the modern world, and not only in the church, but also on the Internet.