Janice R. Andrews
Vatican City – The 15-year-old Italian kid known for his intense dedication to the Catholic religion and his love of video games, Carlo Acutis, is about to become the first millennial saint to be canonized by the Catholic Church in a momentous gesture. The declaration comes after his cause for sainthood was approved by the Vatican, which is a momentous occasion for the Church in the digital age.
From Saint to “God’s Influencer”
Known for utilizing his computer expertise to promote Catholicism, Carlo Acutis, who died of illness in 2006, was dubbed “God’s influencer.” Acutis’ cause has moved quickly despite the customary decades-long process for sainthood because of his expanding worldwide support and the acceptance of two miracles credited to his intercession.
A Contemporary Example
The younger generation can relate to Acutis’ story because they are often seen wearing jeans and sneakers. The first documented miracle—the recovery of a Brazilian baby from a pancreatic birth defect—led to his beatification in 2020, which paved the way for additional research into his life and accomplishments. The healing of a girl in Costa Rica who had sustained a serious brain injury was the subject of the second miracle, which was verified in May.
The process of canonization and the upcoming ceremony
The Vatican declared that Acutis’ canonization had been approved by Pope Francis with the support of cardinals. Acutis’ sainthood will be formally recognized at the event, which is scheduled to take place in St. Peter’s Square in 2025 during the Catholic Church’s jubilee year celebrations. The pope will preside over this gathering, which is expected to attract tens of thousands of people.
A Caring Soul and Digital Evangelist
Carlo Acutis, who was born in London in 1991, managed to reconcile his fervor for video games like Halo, Super Mario, and Pokémon with his strong religious beliefs. He was well-known for his humanitarian efforts, which included giving his pocket money to those in need and aiding the homeless. He also founded a website to chronicle miracles around the world. According to his mother, Antonia Salzano, he was a “sign of hope” and a living example of how holiness may be attained in the present day.
The Carlo Acutis Legacy
Acutis’ life of virtue and service was honored by his beatification in 2020. His commitment to assisting others from an early age and his self-imposed weekly gaming limit of one hour serve to highlight his compassionate and disciplined personality. He is remembered by friends and family for his generosity, creativity, and love of animals.
The Last Stages of Sainthood
The Vatican’s announcement that Acutis’ canonization had been approved marked the last stage on his journey to become a saint. The cardinals’ and Pope Francis’ support for this decision opens the door for the formal ceremony. Following his canonization, the Church will be able to christen parishes and schools in his honor, and his feast day will be observed every year.
A new generation of Catholics is inspired by Carlo Acutis’ life and impending sainthood, which act as a link between traditional faith and the digital age. His life’s work serves as a monument to the positive effects of a life committed to modern evangelism, compassion, and faith.
