Vatican City: The historic canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati is just hours away, as the world’s eyes turn to St. Peter’s Square for a momentous celebration of youthful sanctity. Carlo Acutis, renowned for his pioneering work documenting Eucharistic miracles online, and Frassati, the adventurous Italian youth who dedicated his life to social justice before succumbing to polio, will both be elevated to sainthood in a ceremony expected to draw hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.
Preparations at the Vatican are in full swing. Tens of thousands of seats have been meticulously arranged across the vast expanse of St. Peter’s Square, while giant banners depicting the two soon-to-be saints adorn the front of the Basilica. Among the faithful are visitors from around the globe, including a significant contingent of Malayalees from India, all eager to witness the proclamation of two modern saints whose lives exemplified faith, charity, and courage.
The ceremony, marking the first canonization by Pope Leo XIV since his election as the successor of Peter, will commence at 10 a.m. local time (1:30 p.m. Indian time) with a solemn Mass presided over by the pontiff himself. Cardinals, metropolitans, bishops, priests, and millions of faithful are expected to participate in what promises to be a celebration steeped in tradition, devotion, and the joy of communal witness.
Carlo Acutis’ life, though brief, revolutionized the Church’s approach to digital evangelization, as he cataloged and shared Eucharistic miracles online, inspiring young Catholics to see technology as a tool for faith. Pier Giorgio Frassati, by contrast, lived a life of adventurous zeal, combining his love for the mountains with tireless service to the poor and marginalized, embodying the principles of the Dominican Third Order. Together, they represent a bridge between centuries, cultures, and the enduring call to holiness for young people everywhere.
As the hour approaches, anticipation builds in Rome, with pilgrims and clergy alike preparing to witness history in the making. For many, this canonization is not only a moment to honor two exemplary lives but also an invitation to reflect on how faith, courage, and charity can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.