Pope Leo XIV announcement: Carlo Acutis, a notable millennial, is declared as the Catholic Church's first saint from that generation.

A Millennial Saint's Canonization: Carlo Acutis Honoured in St. Peter's Square

Pope Leo XIV has canonized Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint of the Catholic Church, during an open-air Mass in St. Peter's Square. The ceremony was attended by over 36 cardinals, 270 bishops, and hundreds of priests, and was a significant event for the Church, extending its tradition of popular piety to the digital age.

Carlo Acutis, born in London in 1991 to a wealthy but not particularly observant Catholic family, later moved to Milan. He was a 15-year-old computer whiz who was known for his intense religious devotion, particularly towards computer science and the Eucharist. Acutis created a multilingual website documenting Eucharistic miracles recognized by the church, a project he completed at a young age.

Acutis is seen as an emblem or model for Catholics to approach and use the digital world with discipline and traditional Catholic spirituality. He is entombed in Assisi and has been a popular attraction for young Catholics since his death, with millions visiting his tomb to see him through a glass-sided tomb, dressed in casual clothes.

The Vatican has been promoting Acutis as a "saint next door" for the next generation of faithful. This was evident in the attendance of the ceremony, with St. Peter's Square full of pilgrims, many of them young millennial Italians, an hour before the Mass. One such pilgrim was Leo Kowalsky, an 8th grader from Chicago, who expressed his excitement about the Pope canonizing his school's patron. Kowalsky is a member of the Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish in Chicago.

Leopoldo Antimi, a 27-year-old Roman, attended the square early to secure a spot. He was inspired by Acutis' joy and light. The saint-making ceremonies for Acutis and Frassati were postponed following Pope Francis' death in April. Frassati, the other saint being canonized, lived from 1901-1925 and is known for his devotion to serving the poor and spreading his faith to friends.

Acutis fell ill with acute leukemia in October 2006 and died within days. His life and work continue to inspire and influence Catholics around the world, particularly the tech-savvy millennial generation. Matthew Schmalz, a professor of religious studies, stated that Acutis' canonization extends the church tradition of popular piety to the digital age. Acutis, a relatable tech-savvy millennial by the Vatican, is indeed a saint for the digital age.

Pope Leo XIV announcement: Carlo Acutis, a notable millennial, is declared as the Catholic Church's first saint from that generation.