Carlo Acutis, born in London in 1991 to an Italian family, is poised to become the first millennial saint. Known as “God’s Influencer” and the “Patron Saint of the Internet,” will be canonised next April.
Born on May 3, 1991, in London, Carlo’s family moved to Milan, Italy, when he was still a child. His parents, Andrea and Antonia, were both Italian and chose to settle in Milan, where Carlo would grow up and cultivate a deep spiritual life. Even as a child, Carlo displayed a strong devotion to his Catholic faith, attending daily Mass from the age of seven, which was uncommon for many children his age.
Despite his young age, Carlo showed exceptional empathy, supporting classmates through personal struggles and helping homeless individuals in Milan. His spirituality and selflessness left a profound impact on those around him.
A London-born Italian, Carlo’s journey is a remarkable story of a young person who, in just 15 years, became a beacon of modern Catholicism, with his passion for the Eucharist and his dedication to digital evangelization.
What made Carlo’s story stand out, however, was his profound love for technology. While many young people of his generation were immersed in video games and the internet, Carlo saw these as tools for spreading his faith. As a teenager, he created a website to catalog Eucharistic miracles from around the world. The website, known as Eucharistic Miracles of the World, gained attention not only for its comprehensive listing of miracles but also for its informative and accessible design, making these stories available to a wider audience than ever before.
Tragically, Carlo died from aggressive leukemia at just 15, but not before expressing his readiness for death, saying, “I’m happy to die because I’ve lived my life without wasting even a minute doing things that wouldn’t have pleased God.”
Carlo was beatified in 2020 after the Catholic Church attributed a miracle to him: the inexplicable healing of a Brazilian boy suffering from a severe digestive disorder. In 2024, a second miracle involving the recovery of a Costa Rican woman’s daughter further bolstered his case for sainthood. These miracles, combined with his relatable persona—he enjoyed video games like any other teen—have made him a modern role model for Catholic youth worldwide. His canonization by Pope Francis is anticipated soon, marking him as a significant spiritual figure for the digital age
His use of technology to promote Catholicism and his belief that the internet could be used for good earned him the moniker “God’s Influencer” from the Vatican. This role, as an advocate for using the digital world to evangelize, made Carlo an early example of how modern tools could spread faith. He understood that the internet, when used for positive purposes, could be a powerful vehicle for change and education, especially for young people.
Despite his love for technology, Carlo never allowed his interests to distract him from his core values. His life was marked by acts of kindness, humility, and charity. He was known for supporting his classmates, offering emotional support to those who were struggling, and helping the homeless in Milan. His deep empathy and ability to connect with others made him beloved by those who knew him.
Carlo’s canonization, which will happen in April 2025, marks him as a modern saint for the digital age. His story is one of youth, faith, and the power of modern technology used for good. His legacy resonates not only with those who knew him personally but also with millions of young people around the world who see in Carlo a role model of how faith can be lived out in today’s world.
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