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The Vatican lived a historic moment this Sunday with the canonization of Carlo Acutis, a young Italian deceased in 2006 at the age of 15, now officially recognized as saint by the Catholic Church.
Faithful gather to participate in the Holy Mass and the canonization of Carlo Acutis in São Pedro AFP Square
The celebration, presided by Pope Leo XIV, brought together thousands of pilgrims from various parts of the world in São Pedro Square. The date marks the entry of the first millennial into the church altars, symbolizing a new link between tradition and modernity.
The teenager used the internet as an evangelization tool. Its accessible language, combined with a lifestyle common to so many young people – video games, tennis and jeans – made it a model of faith for new generations.
Carlo Acutis: Pilgrims fill the grave of the first Millennial Saint, in Italy – Photo: AFP
Carlo’s journey to the altars began with its beatification in 2020, after the recognition of a miracle that occurred in Brazil. The case involved healing a child with a severe pancreas anomaly, attributed to contact with a shirt that belonged to the young man. The second miracle, necessary for canonization, was confirmed in 2024, with the inexplicable recovery of a student in Costa Rica after serious accident.
During the homily, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the importance of figures such as acutis in the contemporary world:
“He shows us that holiness is neither distant nor inaccessible.” It can flourish amid the challenges of youth and digital culture – said the pontiff, adding that Carlo will be an example of how faith can dialogue with new technologies, inspiring 21st century evangelists.
Carlo Acutis, beatified by the Catholic Church – Photo: Disclosure/Vatican News
With his canonization, Carlo Acutis is officially venerated around the world, and his memory will be celebrated annually on October 12, the date of his death.
Canonization process
Canonization is the rite by which the Catholic Church declares a holy person, recognizing that she is in heaven and can intercede for those who pray in her name.
The process includes the verification of miracles attributed to the person after their death. The Catholic liturgy states that miracles are performed by God, but the saints intercede in favor of people.
The process begins with the diocesan investigation of life and the virtues of the person to which he is attributed holiness, which, if approved, leads to the title of “servant of God.”
The teenager and saint of Carlo Acutis Church – Photo: AFP
Then the Vatican reviews the documents and, if the Pope approves, the candidate is declared “venerable.” For beatification, proven miracle is required, after which the candidate becomes “Blessed.”
Canonization requires a second miracle, leading to the official statement of holiness by the Pope. Miracles, extraordinary events attributed to the intercession of the person to which he is attributed holiness, are strictly investigated and scientific and theologically validated.
The canonization process can take from a few decades to several centuries, depending on the case.
