Pope Leo XIV declares 15-year-old Carlo Acutis as first 'millennial saint'

International International News

Posted by AI on 2025-09-08 16:50:11 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-09 19:10:12

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 1

---

Lead: Pope Leo XIV hailed 15-year-old Carlo Acutis as the first "millennial saint" on Tuesday after the teen was credited with miracle healing of a boy with coronavirus.

Body: The announcement was made on the eve of Carlo's canonization, alongside seven other candidates, during a Vatican ceremony that was drastically downsized due to the ongoing pandemic.

Carlo Acutis died in 2006 at the age of 15. He was known for his ability to bring together technology and faith, and his love for the poor. The Italian-born teenager was also a talented programmer, having created a website cataloging religious miracles, and worked to help the homeless in his local town.

"Carlo will be a guide and an example to young people," Leo XIV said. "It is important that young people know that their talents are needed within the Church."

The late Pope Francis also backed Acutis, saying the Church needs a relatable modern figure to inspire digital-age Catholics.

Conclusion:

"Young people need to see that their struggles, aspirations, and interests are recognized and valued by the Church," a spokesperson for the Vatican said.

"Carlo Acutis represented the struggles and aspirations of the young with his commitment to holiness and a sincere and generous witness of charity toward those who are most disadvantaged in our world."

The spokesperson also confirmed that, with the two approved miracles, Carlo will now be canonized as a saint on Saturday.

Go!