Internet's First Holy Individual: Carlo Acutis
Young Italian Tech Whiz Set to Become the First Millennial Saint
Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager who passed away from leukemia in 2006, is expected to be canonized by Pope Leo XIV next Sunday (7 September), making him the first saint of the millennial generation.
Born in London in 1991, Acutis was baptized there before moving to Milan with his family. His life, however, took a spiritual turn when he was just eight years old, as he confided to his mother that he was considering becoming a priest.
During his time at a Jesuit school, Acutis demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for technology. He wrote computer programs for the church, designed websites, and created a database of alleged miracles. His talents earned him the nickname "little computer genius" by the Vatican.
In addition to his technical prowess, Acutis was deeply religious. He once stated, "The only woman in my life is the Virgin Mary." His nanny played a significant role in guiding him towards faith early in his life.
Acutis received his first communion at the age of seven, and his faith continued to grow. He was particularly interested in the lives of saints and miracles, and he spent much of his time researching and documenting them.
In October 2006, Acutis was diagnosed with acute leukemia and passed away on October 12. His body is now housed in a glass coffin in the pilgrimage church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Assisi, where he wears jeans and sneakers and has a rosary in his hands.
The process of canonization for Acutis began shortly after his death, supported by the church and his parents. The process involves a complex, multi-stage procedure, including scrutiny of the candidate's life and the attribution of a miracle.
In recent times, Acutis has faced stiff competition in the same business. The sales room of the church where he lies has figures of him available for purchase, and the business of selling religious items on Corso Giuseppe Mazzini in Assisi, Italy, has been thriving for many decades, with St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) being a popular souvenir.
The Vatican attaches great importance to the canonization of Acutis, viewing him as a potential tool to bring younger people back to the Catholic faith. More than 100,000 people are expected on St. Peter's Square in the Vatican for the canonization ceremony.
However, the process of canonization has not been without controversy. A lock of hair supposedly from Acutis was recently sold for 2,110 euros, leading to a criminal complaint by the church and an investigation by the public prosecutor's office.
The name of the Bishop of Assisi who is investigating the sale of alleged relics of Saint Carlo Acutis is Domenico Sorrentino. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what impact it will have on Acutis' impending canonization.
Despite the controversies, Acutis' impact on the Catholic Church and the world is undeniable. He is often referred to as a "god influencer", a "cyber-apostle", a "saint of our time" by the Vatican, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire for generations to come.
