On September 7, 2025, in a historic moment that inspires the whole world, Pope Leo XIV canonized two young men—Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, aged 24, and Blessed Carlo Acutis, aged 15.

In an age where faith and holiness are often questioned, these young saints stand as the true answer. They loved Jesus deeply, finding Him in the Eucharist, in their companions, in service, and in love. They were not people who sought worldly recognition, but rather lived by loving Jesus “a little more than others” and dedicating their lives entirely to Him. Even their parents were astonished at the depth of their faith, something they fully realized only at the deathbeds of their sons.

Pier Giorgio Frassati

Born on April 6, 1901, in Turin, Italy, Pier Giorgio Frassati left an indelible Catholic witness during his short life. His profound love and compassion for the poor often stood in contrast to the values of his own family. His father was a renowned journalist and an influential figure in Italy and Germany, well connected with high-ranking officials. Despite having access to political or professional privilege, Giorgio chose to study mining engineering so he could work alongside and serve the poorest laborers—miners who risked their lives daily.

His spiritual strength came from his love for the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary. He participated in daily Mass, was deeply involved in charitable works through the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and radiated joy, faith, and kindness that inspired his peers. He developed his own intense spiritual life, spending hours in Eucharistic adoration and urging others to draw strength from the Blessed Sacrament.

Frassati also found God in nature, particularly while climbing mountains with his rosary in hand, encouraging friends to pray with him. His compassion was practical: he gave away his clothes, shoes, and resources to the poor, often leaving himself with nothing. Ultimately, he contracted polio from his service among the poor and died on July 4, 1925, at the age of 24. Thousands of Turin’s poor filled the streets at his funeral, revealing the hidden extent of his charity.

In 1981, when his tomb was opened, his body was found incorrupt. In 1990, Pope John Paul II called him “the man of the Beatitudes” and named him patron of World Youth Day. To this day, Pier Giorgio remains an inspiration, especially to youth and Vincentian members. He became the first young saint of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Carlo Acutis

“Carlo Acutis is the saint of the digital age,” said Pope Francis.

With his casual clothes, cheerful smile, and love for football, computers, and video games, Carlo was an ordinary teenager. Yet his extraordinary love for Christ set him apart. Born on May 3, 1991, in London, Carlo soon moved with his parents Antonio and Andrea Acutis to Milan, Italy. From early childhood, Carlo had a special devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary.

Gifted in technology, he created projects of faith online, most notably a website documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world. Despite battling leukemia, he offered his suffering for the Pope and the Church, continuing his mission with determination. With his parents, he visited many sites of Eucharistic miracles to collect materials for his project.

Carlo lived like any other boy—studying, playing football, and riding his bike—but he never removed God from his life. From a young age, he served as an altar boy and taught catechism to children. After his First Communion, he never missed daily Mass. He called the Eucharist his “highway to heaven” and prayed many rosaries with devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Even in illness, Carlo showed strength and faith. His mother recalls how, from the age of 3 or 4, he insisted on visiting churches to greet Jesus, kiss the crucifix, and pray. His devotion deeply influenced his family, inspiring them to grow in faith. Carlo also volunteered with Caritas, serving meals to the poor and befriending the homeless with warmth and humor.

At just 15, Carlo died of leukemia on October 12, 2006, in Monza, Italy. Before his death, he asked to be buried in Assisi, at the Church of the “Spogliazione,” where St. Francis had renounced his worldly possessions. Though his parents had wished to donate his organs, his illness prevented it. Declared a Servant of God in 2013, he was beatified by Pope Francis in 2020 and canonized in 2025.

Antonio and Andrea, his parents, are witnessing the extraordinary moment of their son’s canonization—a rare and moving grace.

 Saints for the Modern World

In a changing world, these two young saints proved that holiness is possible in every age—even in our digital era. They challenge us with their testimony: holiness is not outdated, but a living path for everyone.

With jeans, mobile phones, football, mountain treks, laughter, and friendship, Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati show us that sainthood is not about withdrawing from life, but about filling ordinary life with extraordinary love. Their message is clear: if we remain faithful to the Eucharist and devoted to Mary, holiness is possible today.

They smile upon us now, saying: when you love Jesus above all, He will raise you up.