London’s Teen Carlo Acutis Becomes First Millennial Saint

A London-born Italian teenager, known affectionately as “God's Influencer,” has made history as the Vatican's first millennial saint.

Carlo Acutis, who passed away in 2006 at the tender age of 17 after a courageous fight with leukemia, has been canonized by the Catholic Church.

Carlo's journey began in London, where he was born into a devout Catholic family. His profound faith emerged early, prompting him to request his first communion at seven.

The family relocated to Milan, where Carlo’s dedication to his faith grew stronger. He attended daily mass and received communion regularly, embodying a life of compassion and service.

Known for his generosity, Carlo used his weekly allowance to support needy people. His first significant act of charity was purchasing a sleeping bag for a homeless man he frequently encountered on his way to church.

Carlo was a devout Catholic, an avid gamer, and a talented web designer. He created a website cataloging “church-approved miracles and appearances of the Virgin Mary,” showcasing his unique blend of modernity and faith.

His mother, Antonia Salzano, highlighted that Carlo's tech skills were used not for personal gain but to spread the Gospel and assist others.

Shortly before his death, Carlo expressed a profound contentment with his life, stating, “I am happy to die because I lived my life without wasting even a minute of it on anything unpleasing to God.”

The path to canonization is rigorous, involving three stages: “Venerable,” “Blessed,” and finally, “Saint.” Crucially, two miracles must be attributed to the individual's intercession, with the second occurring posthumously.

Carlo's first recognized miracle was in 2020 when a Brazilian woman claimed that her son’s pancreatic ailment was cured after praying for Carlo’s intercession.

The second miracle occurred in 2022 when a Costa Rican student suffered a severe brain injury from a biking accident. Her mother’s pilgrimage to Carlo’s tomb in Assisi and subsequent prayers were followed by the girl’s remarkable recovery, which the Vatican attributed to Carlo's intercession.

Carlo’s mother has described his canonization as “a great joy” and hope, emphasizing that achieving holiness is attainable today.