Carlo Acutis

Carlo Acutis (3 May 1991 – 12 October 2006) was an English-born Italian Catholic saint who was a website designer at the time of his death. He helped document Eucharistic miracles and approved Marian apparitions. Acutis would record them on a website he created before his death. He was known for his computer skills, and dedication to the Eucharist. He was nicknamed "God's Influencer".

In May 2024, Pope Francis cleared the way for Acutis to become the first canonized millennial in the Catholic Church. He was previously beatified by Pope Francis in October 2020. He was canonized in September 2025 by Pope Leo XIV.

Life
Acutis was born in London, England. His family moved to Milan, Italy not long after his birth. Neither of his parents were religious, and they had worked in London and Germany before Acutis was born.

Acutis also struggled with his weight when he was younger. As a sacrifice, he would give up sweets or his favourite movies. He was inspired by the poverty the Franciscan order and wanted to do the same.

Having a passion of computers and web design, Acutis began creating a website dedicated to recording each reported Eucharistic miracle in the world and keeping a list of the approved Marian apparitions of the Catholic Church. Acutis launched the website in 2004 and worked on it for two and a half years. 

Acutis died on 12 October 2006 in Monza, Italy from a cerebral hemorrhage caused by cancer-related treatments at the age of 15. He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia a week before his death.

It was Acutis' final wish to be buried in Assisi after his death. In April 2018, his body, which allegedly did not decompose was brought to the Sanctuary of the Spoliation so that people could visit and pray at his tomb and body.

Legacy
Acutis was beatified by Pope Francis on 10 October 2020, two days before the 14th anniversary of his death. 

In April 2022, the first life-sized statue of Acutis in the United Kingdom was honored at Carfin Grotto, North Lanarkshire, Scotland.

Pope Francis has also spoken about Acutis as a model for people who live normal lives to "grow in holiness". 

On 23 May 2024, Pope Francis recognized a miracle done by Acutis, making it possible for him to become the first canonized millennial in the Catholic Church.

On 20 November 2024, it was announced that Acutis would be canonized in the 2025 Jubilee during the Jubilee of Teenagers from 25 to 27 April 2025, with the Diocese of Assisi confirming it would be on Sunday, 27 April. However, following Pope Francis's death on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, the Vatican announced that the ceremony would be postponed. On 13 June 2025, Pope Leo XIV announced that Acutis would be canonized alongside Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. The canonisation took place in Saint Peter's Square on 7 September 2025.

More readings

References

Other websites

 Official website
 The apparitions of Our Lady – List of Marian apparitions catalogued by Acutis
 Eucharistic Miracles – List of Eucharistic miracles catalogued by Acutis
 2006 Hagiography Circle
 Wolverhampton Parish of Blessed Carlo Acutis – Incorporating the churches of St Peter & Paul, St Michael and St Bernadette.
 "My Son Carlo" – biography of Carlo Acutis by his mother, Antonia Salzano Acutis

Category:1991 births
Category:2006 deaths
Category:Deaths from cerebral hemorrhage
Category:Deaths from acute myeloid leukemia
Category:People from Milan
Category:People from London
Category:Christian saints