Vatican City: In a spectacular ceremony at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV officially declared Saint Carlo Acutis and Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati as Saints of the Catholic Church. A vast sea of faithful from around the world gathered in Vatican City to witness this historic moment. Pilgrims, hearts filled with devotion, embraced the belief that heaven is their true home. The ceremony marked the first canonizations of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate and a moment of immense pride for both heaven and the Church, honoring two courageous young men whose lives serve as shining examples for the younger generation.
Saint Carlo Acutis: The Millennial Saint and Digital Evangelist
Saint Carlo Acutis (3 May 1991 – 12 October 2006), born in London, England, and raised in Milan, Italy, was a computer programmer known for his deep devotion to the Eucharist and innovative use of digital media to promote Catholic faith. From a young age, he taught himself programming and web design, helping his parish and school with digital projects.
Active in parish life, Carlo served as a catechist and inspired many to convert to Catholicism. He later created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions, spreading devotion online. Diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, he passed away at the age of 15. His relics have since been displayed in Assisi, and his exhibitions on Eucharistic miracles have traveled worldwide.
In 2020, Carlo was beatified by the Catholic Church after a miracle in Brazil (2013) was attributed to his intercession, followed by a second confirmed miracle in Costa Rica in 2024. On 7 September 2025, he was canonized alongside Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, becoming the first millennial saint. Carlo is widely known as the "Patron Saint of the Internet, God’s Influencer,and a model for young believers worldwide.
Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati: A Life of Charity and Devotion
Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, TOSD (6 April 1901 – 4 July 1925), was an Italian Catholic activist and member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. Deeply committed to social justice, he joined charitable organizations such as Catholic Action and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, serving the poor and less fortunate in his hometown of Turin.
Frassati’s cause for canonization began in 1932, following pleas from the Turin poor. Although temporarily suspended by Pope Pius XII in 1941 due to false allegations, the cause resumed and he was beatified by Pope John Paul II in May 1990, who called him the "Man of the Eight Beatitudes." On 7 September 2025, Pope Leo XIV canonized Frassati, recognizing his enduring legacy of charity, humility, and devotion.
A Ceremony of Faith, Unity, and Inspiration
The canonization ceremony, held during a Jubilee year dedicated to youth and peace, underscored the Church’s commitment to engaging young people in faith and service. Pilgrims filled St. Peter’s Square, and commemorative stamps were released in honor of the new saints, celebrating their inspirational lives.
As Saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati join the Church’s canon of saints, their stories shine as guiding examples of faith, service, and devotion, inspiring the faithful worldwide to live with courage, compassion, and holiness.