Vatican City: The canonization of Saint Carlo Acutis was not only a historic moment for the Catholic Church but also an intensely personal one for his family, who were given a rare and deeply moving privilege during the liturgy at St. Peter’s Square. Sitting in the front row beside the altar, Carlo’s parents, siblings, and close relatives witnessed the solemn proclamation by Pope Leo XIV that elevated their son and brother to the altars of sainthood.
For Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano, the parents of the new saint, the ceremony was a culmination of years of prayer, faith, and testimony to Carlo’s extraordinary witness to holiness. Alongside them were Carlo’s sister Antonia Acutis and his younger brother Michel, who both took active roles in the sacred rites. The family was not mere observers: they were invited to sing the Responsorial Psalm, join in the vespers consecration, and participate intimately in the liturgy.
Michel, who has often spoken about carrying forward Carlo’s mission in his own way, had the honor of proclaiming the Old Testament reading during the Divine Liturgy. The moment underscored how the family’s faith has not only survived but flourished in the wake of their son’s death and now in the light of his sainthood.
As Pope Leo XIV declared Carlo a saint to thunderous applause and prayerful silence, the world’s attention turned toward his family. Cameras zoomed in on their faces, capturing the raw emotion of a once-in-a-lifetime moment. A particularly poignant image of Antonia Salzano smiling through her tears quickly spread across social media, resonating with millions of faithful.
In previous interviews, Antonia has spoken candidly about her own faith journey, admitting that she was not deeply religious before her son’s example changed her life. “Carlo was my catechist,” she has often said, describing how her son’s devotion to the Eucharist and his tireless charity rekindled her belief in God. The expressions on her face during the canonization reflected not only a mother’s pride but also the spiritual transformation that her son had inspired within her.
Following the Mass, the Acutis family had the rare honor of a personal meeting with Pope Leo XIV. The encounter was both solemn and intimate, with the Holy Father offering words of gratitude and encouragement. For the family, it was yet another sign of the Church’s recognition not only of Carlo’s sanctity but also of the quiet faith that has sustained them since his passing.
The Acutis family’s visible presence at the canonization highlighted an often-overlooked dimension of sainthood: the role of the family in nurturing holiness. Their participation served as a powerful reminder that saints are not born in isolation but grow within families and communities of faith.
As the world celebrates Saint Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, his parents and siblings stand as a testament to the enduring power of faith, resilience, and hope. Their tears, prayers, and unwavering presence at the canonization symbolized not just a personal privilege but also a gift to the entire Church showing how holiness continues to inspire families around the globe.