Pope Leo XIV declared Carlo Acutis the first saint of the millennial generation, marking his first act as pope in the canonisation of a modern digital figure on Sunday.

This took place in a momentous ceremony at St. Peter’s Square.

Tens of thousands—especially young Italians—filled the square to bear witness. Acutis, who succumbed to leukaemia in 2006 at just 15, was celebrated for “using digital tools to spread Christianity” and known affectionately as “God’s influencer.”

Born in 1991 in London and raised in Milan, Acutis was a tech-savvy youth deeply devoted to the Eucharist.

From a young age, he frequently attended Mass and engaged in adoration.

He “created a multilingual website documenting Eucharistic miracles,” earning admiration for his innovative blend of faith and technology, AP News and multiple media report.

Acutis’ path to sainthood was notably swift.

He had already been beatified in 2020, and in May of this year, Pope Francis formally recognised a second miracle attributed to him: the miraculous healing of a Costa Rican student who suffered a severe head injury, allowing the canonisation to proceed, Catholic News Agency added.

Originally scheduled for April 27, the ceremony was postponed due to the death of Pope Francis, before ultimately taking place on September 7 under Pope Leo XIV.

The canonisation was shared with Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Italian from the early 20th century celebrated for his devotion to the poor.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]