“God’s Influencer” to Saint: The Rise of Carlo Acutis

Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager who died at the age of 15 in 2006, has captured the hearts of many around the world with his deep faith, technological prowess, and commitment to spreading the Catholic faith. His cause for canonization has progressed significantly, highlighting his extraordinary life and the impact he continues to have posthumously.

Early Life and Faith

Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London, where his parents were working at the time. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Milan, Italy. From an early age, Carlo exhibited a strong spiritual inclination, showing a particular devotion to the Eucharist. His mother, Antonia Salzano, has recounted how, from the age of three, Carlo expressed a desire to visit churches and showed an exceptional understanding of religious matters, including a special devotion to the Eucharist, beyond his years.

Digital Evangelization

Carlo was not only a pious young man but also a computer whiz. By the age of 11, he was proficient in programming and web design. He combined his tech skills with his faith, creating websites dedicated to cataloging and sharing information about Eucharistic miracles around the world. His aim was to use the internet as a tool to evangelize and spread awareness of the Catholic faith, particularly the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This initiative has inspired many young Catholics to explore their faith in the digital age.

Illness and Death

In 2006, Carlo was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukemia. He accepted his illness with remarkable serenity and offered his suffering for the Pope and the Church. Carlo’s faith and composure in the face of death were extraordinary, exemplifying the virtues of courage, fortitude, and hope.

Carlo passed away on October 12, 2006, and was buried in Assisi, as he had requested. His funeral was attended by many who had been touched by his life and testimony of faith.

Path to Beatification

The process for Carlo Acutis’s canonization began in 2013 when the Diocese of Assisi initiated the investigation into his life and virtues. In 2018, Pope Francis recognized Carlo as Venerable, acknowledging that he had lived a life of heroic virtue. This recognition was a significant step towards his beatification.

For beatification, a miracle attributed to Carlo’s intercession was required. This miracle was the healing of a Brazilian boy, Mattheus,  with a rare congenital condition of the pancreas. The boy’s parents prayed to Carlo, and the child was miraculously cured. The Vatican confirmed this miracle, leading to Carlo’s beatification on October 10, 2020, in Assisi.

Second Miracle and the Road to Canonization

Canonization, the final step to sainthood, requires a second miracle attributed to the individual’s intercession after their beatification. For Carlo Acutis, a second miracle was investigated and approved. This second miracle involved the healing of a young woman who had suffered brain hemorrhaging after a head trauma and was recognized by Pope Francis on Thursday, May 23^rd, 2024 paving the way towards his canonization.

Legacy

Carlo Acutis is often referred to as “the patron saint of the internet”  or “God’s influencer” due to his use of technology to evangelize. His life serves as a powerful example of how faith can be harmoniously integrated with modern advancements. Carlo’s story has inspired countless individuals, particularly young people, to live out their faith authentically and use their talents for the greater good.

His cause for canonization continues to resonate, as many see in Carlo a relatable and contemporary figure of holiness. His legacy is a testament to the enduring power of faith, the importance of the Eucharist, and the potential for modern tools to spread timeless truths.