A 15-year-old computer prodigy is poised to become the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint, drawing worldwide attention as his canonization nears.
Carlo Acutis, who died in 2006, will be elevated to sainthood on Sunday in a ceremony led by Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native, marking the pontiff’s first canonization since his election in May.
At Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish and School on Chicago’s Northwest Side — the first U.S. parish named for him — students have been studying his story ahead of the canonization. They read comic books such as Digital Disciple, sketch designs for his cellphone wallpaper, and discuss miracles tied to his intercession. The parish buzzes with excitement ahead of the event, which was delayed after Pope Francis’ death.
In order to be declared a saint, a deceased individual must have had a reputation for living an exemplary life of positive influence, which must be investigated and confirmed by the local bishop. If the individual lived a life of heroic virtue, they may then be granted the title “Venerable,” the second step in the process of becoming a saint.
Next, a miracle attributed to the intercession of the Venerable must be verified, after which the individual is given the title “Blessed.” A second miracle attributed to the Blessed individual must occur and be verified before the person can ultimately be officially declared a saint.
Acutis, born in London on May 3, 1991, to a non-observant Catholic family, moved to Milan and showed an early knack for technology, mastering college-level programming as a child. He created websites, including one on Eucharistic miracles in nearly 20 languages, while limiting himself to an hour of video games weekly.
His mother, Antonia Salzano, said, per the Independent, “Carlo was an ordinary child like (others). He used to play, have friends, and go to school. But his extraordinary quality was the fact that he opened the door of his heart to Jesus and put Jesus in the first place in his life.”
Diagnosed with acute leukemia in October 2006, Acutis died within days at age 15. Buried in Assisi per his wishes, his tomb — featuring a wax likeness in jeans, Nike sneakers, and a sweatshirt—has drawn millions, with a webcam offering virtual access. His beatification in 2020 and a second miracle approval last year paved the way for sainthood.
Both miracles attributed to Acutis involved the alleged miraculous healing of individuals who prayed for the intercession of Carlo Acutis on their behalf.
Pope Francis, who championed Acutis’ cause, wrote in 2019, per the Associated Press, “Carlo was well aware that the whole apparatus of communications, advertising, and social networking can be used to lull us … Yet he knew how to use the new communications technology to transmit the Gospel, to communicate values and beauty.”
Leo XIV, inheriting the cause, has echoed concerns about technology’s challenges, including artificial intelligence.
At the parish, Rev. Ed Howe calls Acutis a “saint next door.”
“He’s someone who I think a lot of young people today say, ‘I could be the saint next door,’” Howe said, AP reported.
Students like eighth grader Sona Harrison find him relatable.
“When I read his story for the first time, it was just like shocking to me, because from a very early age, he was just really drawn to Jesus Christ,” she said, per AP.
For 9-year-old David Cameron, Acutis’ restraint inspires.
“He played video games for like only one hour a week, which I don’t think I can do,” he said, admiring the teen’s balance of faith and modern life.
The canonization, held in St. Peter’s Square alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, another young Italian, is expected to draw thousands.