Carlo Acutis, dubbed “God’s Influencer,” will be canonized Sunday as the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint, inspiring youth through his blend of technology and faith.
Catholics worldwide are preparing for the canonization of Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian computer whiz who died in 2006 and is set to become the Church’s first millennial saint. Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native, will declare Acutis a saint on Sunday alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, in his first canonization ceremony.
At Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish in Chicago, the first U.S. parish named after him, children have been studying his life through comic books and projects. “He’s someone who I think a lot of young people today say, ‘I could be the saint next door,’” said Rev. Ed Howe, parish pastor.
Nicknamed “God’s Influencer,” Acutis created a multilingual website on Eucharistic miracles, combining his tech skills with deep faith. His story resonates with youth, who see him as relatable yet devout.
Notre Dame professor Kathleen Sprows Cummings noted his popularity reflects both authentic holiness and deliberate church promotion: “Canonization is about marketing.”