On the road to sainthood, the Catholic Church recognizes individuals who have lived lives of extraordinary virtue and devotion to God. Among these, Blessed Carlo Acutis stands out as a beacon for modern youth, blending a deep love for Christ with the tools of the digital age. His canonization represents not only a celebration of his life but also an inspiration for the faithful, particularly young people navigating the challenges of the contemporary world. Recently, the church announced that Blessed Carlo Acutis would be elevated to a Saint on April 27, 2025.

Who Was Blessed Carlo Acutis?

Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London, England, to Italian parents. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to Milan, Italy. From a young age, Carlo demonstrated a remarkable spiritual maturity and devotion to the Eucharist. He was known for his joyful personality, compassion for others, and a strong sense of justice.

Despite his youth, Carlo had a profound influence on those around him. His faith was central to his life, as evidenced by his daily participation in Mass, recitation of the Rosary, and frequent prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

A Modern-Day Evangelist

What makes Carlo particularly unique among the blessed is his use of technology to share his faith. As a teenager, Carlo was a self-taught computer programmer who created an online catalog of Eucharistic miracles from around the world. This website has since become a resource for Catholics seeking to deepen their understanding of the Eucharist.

Carlo’s use of the internet as a tool for evangelization sets him apart as a model for young Catholics in the digital age. He believed that technology could be used as a means to draw people closer to God rather than distract them from their faith.

The Path to Canonization

Carlo Acutis was diagnosed with leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15. Despite the aggressive nature of his illness, he embraced his suffering with remarkable grace and offered it for the Pope and the Church. Carlo passed away on October 12, 2006, in Monza, Italy, and was buried in Assisi, a city he loved due to its association with St. Francis.

Following his death, Carlo’s reputation for holiness spread rapidly. His beatification was approved by Pope Francis in 2020 after a miracle was attributed to his intercession: the healing of a Brazilian boy suffering from a rare pancreatic disorder.

The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints recognized a miraculous event involving the recovery of Valeria Valverde, a 21-year-old Costa Rican woman who suffered a life-threatening head injury in a bicycle accident while studying in Florence in 2022. After emergency surgery to relieve severe brain swelling, doctors informed her family that her condition was critical and her chances of survival were slim.

Six days after the accident, Valeria’s mother embarked on a pilgrimage to the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis in Assisi. There, she prayed fervently for her daughter’s recovery and left a heartfelt note. A remarkable turn of events followed. That very day, Valeria began breathing independently. By the next day, she could move her arms and speak. Just 10 days after her mother’s pilgrimage, Valeria was discharged from intensive care. Tests revealed that the brain hemorrhage had vanished completely, and she made a full recovery. Her rehabilitation was minimal, requiring only a week of physical therapy before returning to her normal life.

Carlo Acutis: A Patron for the Digital Age

Blessed Carlo Acutis is often referred to as the “Patron of the Internet.” His ability to balance technology and faith resonates deeply in a world increasingly dominated by digital distractions. Carlo’s life teaches us that it is possible to use technology for good and as a means of glorifying God.

His message to “always be close to Jesus” through the sacraments and prayer offers timeless wisdom for navigating life’s complexities, especially for young people who seek purpose and fulfillment in a secular world.

Lessons from Carlo Acutis’ Life

Carlo’s journey to holiness provides several important lessons:

• Faith in Action: Carlo combined his love for Christ with tangible acts of charity, helping the poor and standing up for marginalized individuals.
• Living for Eternity: Carlo often spoke about the importance of focusing on eternity rather than materialism, reminding others that “our goal must be the infinite, not the finite.”
• Using Talents for God: By leveraging his technological skills to create a Eucharistic miracles exhibition, Carlo demonstrated how personal talents can serve the Church.
• Embracing Suffering with Grace: Carlo’s acceptance of his illness teaches us to unite our suffering with Christ for the greater good.

The canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis is not just a recognition of his personal sanctity but a call to modern believers to strive for holiness in their everyday lives. His life reminds us that sainthood is attainable for all, regardless of age or background, and that we can use the tools of our time to draw closer to God.