In 2013, Carlo Acutis was designated as a "Servant of God," marking the initial step on the path to sainthood. His progression continued when Pope Francis venerable him in 2018. Acutis’ remains were exhumed and transferred to a tomb in Assisi, where they remain, dressed in his characteristic ’90s teenage attire. Father Carlos Acácio Gonçalves Ferreira, the rector of the shrine, remarked on the significance of seeing a saint in jeans, sneakers, and a sweatshirt, considering it a positive message. A Franciscan monk at the tomb observed an influx of young visitors.
For Acutis’ beatification, a verified miracle performed by him was necessary. The criteria outlined required an inexplicable scientific event, such as a healing that could not be accounted for by medical professionals. In 2013, a Brazilian woman credited Acutis with healing her son’s pancreatic defect through prayer. This miracle was authenticated by Pope Francis in 2020, resulting in Acutis’ beatification and a ceremony celebrating his virtuous life. According to data, interest in Carlo Acutis surpassed that of the Pope during this period.
In May 2024, a second miracle was recognized involving the recovery of a 21-year-old Costa Rican girl from severe injuries sustained in a bike accident. In 2022, her mother had prayed at Acutis’ grave for help, leading to the girl’s remarkable recovery without medical support. This miracle was later validated by the Pope, and in July 2024, the approval for Acutis’ canonization was announced, with the official ceremony scheduled for 2025.
Remarkably, Carlo Acutis will be canonized relatively soon after his birth. Among the 912 saints canonized by Pope Francis, the next most recent birth date was in 1926. Acutis is poised to become the first millennial saint and has been dubbed "God’s influencer" and the "patron saint of the internet" by some Catholics.
The veneration of Carlo Acutis has been spreading globally, with relics such as a piece of the shroud that covered his body, part of a sweatshirt, and his heart touring internationally. These relics recently visited the UK for the New Dawn Catholic Pilgrimage. Additionally, Carlo Acutis memorabilia, including figurines, rosary beads, posters, and keychains, are available online. In North Lanarkshire, Scotland, a life-size statue of Acutis has been installed at Carfin Grotto, and a stained-glass window in Wiltshire aims to draw young churchgoers.
There are also diverse ways for people to connect with Acutis’ legacy, including a comic book and a virtual reality experience. For those unable to visit in person, his tomb can be accessed through a continuous livestream that also allows for donations.
While the Catholic Church does not directly choose saints, the community-driven campaign for Acutis aligns with the Church’s need for a young role model and demonstrates its engagement with modern technology. Pope Francis has emphasized the significance of communications technology over the years, endorsing the idea of a saint of the internet who exemplifies virtuous use of technology.
Despite concerns about the internet’s potential for negative influences, the Pope has acknowledged it as a "gift from God" and recognizes its value in spreading the Christian message. Acutis’ use of technology to promote Catholic teachings and virtuous living is considered an example the Church hopes others will follow. His relatable image as a "saint in sneakers" has the potential to resonate with contemporary communities looking for an inspiring figure.
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2024 edition of WIRED UK magazine.
