Influencer declared holy by Pope, dubbed "God's messenger"
In a momentous occasion, Pope Leo XVI has canonized two Italians, Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, during a mass held in St. Peter's Square. Tens of thousands of people cheered as the new saints were declared, marking a significant milestone in the Catholic Church.
Carlo Acutis, who passed away at the young age of 15 from leukemia, has been referred to as the "Cyber-Apostle" and "Influencer of God" due to his online promotion of faith. His cause for canonization moved swiftly, taking less than 20 years, and the Catholic Church views him as a model of a young Christian dedicated to God.
Two miracles attributed to Acutis after his death, one in Brazil and one in Italy, were considered key factors in his elevation to sainthood. Relics of the young saint were brought to the altar during the mass, and his parents and siblings were among the participants.
Pier Giorgio Frassati, who also worked extensively with the poor and marginalized, was primarily supported for his canonization by those who knew of his commitment to Catholic social teachings. Despite some false accusations about his associations, investigations confirmed his virtuous life, and his wide charitable work earned him respect and support for his canonization.
Memorabilia of Frassati is now sold alongside that of Carlo Acutis in the souvenir shops of Assisi, reflecting the growing admiration for both saints. This was Pope Leo XVI's first canonization since being elected successor to Argentine Pope Francis four months ago.
The process of beatification and canonization for both saints began during the papacy of Pope Francis, and the Church considers the process to be complex and multi-staged. Originally, the process could begin no earlier than 50 years after death, but it has been expedited in some cases.
Two larger-than-life images of the new saints hung on the facade of St. Peter's Basilica, a striking visual representation of the Church's celebration of these two extraordinary individuals. The Vatican considers these saints as part of the over 10,000 saints in the Church, starting with the Virgin Mary and almost all the apostles.
This historic ceremony marks a significant moment in the Catholic Church, celebrating the lives and works of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, two Italians who have left a lasting impact on the faith and the world.
