Pope Leo Reveals the Date for a Teen to Become the First Millennial Saint
In a world filled with smartphones and social media, a young teenager from Italy used technology to spread kindness and faith.
His name was Carlo Acutis, and his story is about to make history. The Catholic Church has announced that Carlo will become its first saint from the millennial generation.
This exciting news has caught the attention of people worldwide, especially young Catholics. Let’s explore how a regular teen became a saint and why his story matters today.
First Millennial Saint: A Teen with a Big Heart
Carlo Acutis was born in London in 1991 to Italian parents and grew up in Milan, Italy.
He was a typical teenager who loved video games like Nintendo and PlayStation, wore jeans and sneakers, and enjoyed hanging out with friends. But Carlo was different in one big way: his deep love for his faith.
From a young age, he went to church every day and prayed the rosary. He even taught himself how to code and built websites to share stories about miracles, earning him the nickname “God’s Influencer.”
His website about Eucharistic miracles is still used today, translated into many languages.
Carlo wasn’t just about tech. He helped people in need, like giving food to the homeless and standing up for classmates who were bullied.
Even though he died of leukemia in 2006 at just 15 years old, his kindness and faith left a lasting impact.
His tomb in Assisi, Italy, where he is displayed in his favorite casual clothes, draws thousands of visitors, especially young people who see him as a role model.
A Fast Path to Sainthood
The journey to becoming a saint usually takes many years, sometimes centuries. For Carlo, it’s happening in just 19 years, which is incredibly fast.
The Catholic Church requires two miracles to confirm someone as a saint. Carlo’s first miracle happened in 2013, when a Brazilian boy with a serious illness got better after touching one of Carlo’s shirts.
The second miracle occurred in 2022, when a Costa Rican student recovered from a severe head injury after her mother prayed at Carlo’s tomb. These events convinced the Vatican that Carlo was special.
Pope Francis, who led the Church before his passing in April 2025, planned to canonize Carlo on April 27, 2025. However, his death delayed the event.
The new pope, Pope Leo XIV, announced that Carlo will officially become a saint on September 7, 2025, in a ceremony at St. Peter’s Square in Rome.
This will be Pope Leo’s first canonization, and it’s expected to bring thousands of young people to celebrate.
Why Carlo’s Story Matters
Carlo’s story is inspiring because he was an ordinary teen who did extraordinary things. He used his skills to spread love and faith in a way that young people today can understand.
His life shows that you don’t need to be perfect to make a difference—just a big heart and a willingness to help others.
As the first millennial saint, Carlo is a symbol of hope for young Catholics and anyone who wants to use technology for good.
The canonization will happen during the Catholic Church’s 2025 Holy Year, a time when millions visit the Vatican. Carlo will be canonized alongside another young person, Pier Giorgio Frassati, who died in 1925.
Together, they represent a message for today’s youth: you can live a meaningful life by helping others and staying true to your beliefs.
Carlo’s legacy lives on through schools and chapels named after him and the many people who visit his tomb. His story reminds us that anyone, even a teenager, can change the world with kindness and faith.
You might also want to read: Why Was Pope Francis Loved and Hated by So Many?
