Carlo Acutis: A Jesuit-Alumni Saint for a Connected World

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and digital connection, the Catholic Church has canonized its first saint of the millennial generation. Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager who died of leukemia in 2006 at just fifteen years old, was officially declared a saint on September 7, 2025. His canonization marks a profound moment for the Church—signaling a bridge between ancient tradition and modern reality. Acutis, often called “God’s Influencer,” used his technological skills to spread the faith and document miracles, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire millions around the world.

Born in London on May 3, 1991, to Italian parents, Carlo Acutis moved to Milan as a child and quickly developed a deep and unwavering faith. From an early age, he showed a unique commitment to his spiritual life—attending daily Mass, praying the Rosary, and spending hours in Eucharistic adoration. His devotion was matched only by his fascination with technology. A self-taught computer programmer, he created websites for his local parish and school, but his most significant project was a comprehensive online archive of Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions recognized by the Church. This website, which reportedly documented 136 miracles across 20 countries, has since been translated into some 19 languages and shared in parishes worldwide.

Acutis saw the internet not as a distraction from faith but as a tool for evangelization. He famously described the Eucharist as his “highway to heaven,” and he used his digital skills to make that highway accessible to others. His approach resonated deeply with young people, proving that holiness could coexist with a love for video games, social media, and contemporary culture. Beyond his online efforts, Carlo was known for his acts of kindness and charity. He defended classmates from bullies, donated his pocket money to the homeless, and often reminded those around him that “sadness is looking at yourself, while happiness is looking at God.” Tragically, Carlo’s life was cut short when he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in October 2006. He faced his illness with extraordinary courage, offering his suffering for the Pope and the Church. He told his family: ” I offer my sufferings for the Pope, for the Church, so as not to go to Purgatory and go straight to Heaven.” He passed away on October 12, 2006, but his influence only grew after his death. His body, dressed in the jeans and sneakers he loved, was laid to rest in Assisi, where it remains enshrined in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, drawing nearly one million visitors each year.

The path to sainthood required proof of two miracles attributed to Carlo’s intercession. The first occurred in 2013, when a Brazilian child suffering from a rare pancreatic condition was miraculously healed after his mother prayed to Carlo and touched a relic of his. The second miracle took place in 2022, when a young Costa Rican woman, Valeria Valverde, recovered from a severe head injury after her mother made a pilgrimage to Carlo’s tomb. Both miracles were thoroughly investigated and confirmed by the Vatican, leading to his beatification in 2020 and his canonization five years later.

Carlo Acutis was canonized alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, another young Italian known for his charity and vitality. The ceremony, presided over by Pope Leo XIV, filled St. Peter’s Square with thousands of young people—a testament to Carlo’s enduring appeal. He is now widely regarded as the patron saint of the internet, programmers, and video gamers—a fitting tribute to his life and mission.

Carlo’s legacy challenges conventional notions of sainthood. He was not an ascetic removed from the world but a modern young man who embraced technology, culture, and friendship while remaining deeply rooted in his faith. His life reminds us that sanctity is not about rejecting the world but about engaging with it meaningfully and compassionately. As he once said, “Everyone is born as an original, but many die as photocopies.” Carlo Acutis lived as an original—and his story continues to encourage a new generation to seek holiness in the digital age. For those interested in learning more about Carlo Acutis, his official website remains a valuable resource, as does the traveling exhibition on Eucharistic miracles that he helped create. His life and work serve as a powerful reminder that faith and technology can work together to create a brighter, more connected world