Carlo Acutis, who passed away in 2006 at just 15 years old, has captured hearts worldwide as a symbol of youth and faith. Born in London and raised in Italy, Carlo's Godfearing nature shone through in his daily church attendance and his creation of a website chronicling miracles associated with the Eucharist. His life, although brief, was filled with kindness and spiritual depth, a blend that has resonated especially with young people.
Following his beatification in 2020, Carlo’s tomb in Assisi has become a pilgrimage site, inviting thousands of youth who find hope and inspiration in his story—as reflected by the coinciding Jubilee of Teenagers during the 2025 Holy Year.
Discussing Acutis’s quick rise to sainthood—the fastest in modern Catholic history—Rev. Anthony Figueirida expressed awe at his legacy, proclaiming him “a sign of goodness” amidst global negativity. Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi voiced that Carlo’s positive aspirations offer encouragement to a generation confronting uncertain futures.
Pope Leo XIV also announced the canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassati, who passed away in 1925 at 24, to take place in St. Peter’s Square during the September ceremony. Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, who leads the Vatican’s saints department, described Frassati as an exemplary Christian role model.
As Pope Leo XIV leads the Catholic Church into new terrains of spiritual relevance, the canonization of Carlo Acutis underscores an embracing of youthful faith amid contemporary challenges.
Elisabetta Povoledo is an experienced journalist covering Italy, the Vatican, and cultural narratives in the region for over three decades.
Following his beatification in 2020, Carlo’s tomb in Assisi has become a pilgrimage site, inviting thousands of youth who find hope and inspiration in his story—as reflected by the coinciding Jubilee of Teenagers during the 2025 Holy Year.
Discussing Acutis’s quick rise to sainthood—the fastest in modern Catholic history—Rev. Anthony Figueirida expressed awe at his legacy, proclaiming him “a sign of goodness” amidst global negativity. Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi voiced that Carlo’s positive aspirations offer encouragement to a generation confronting uncertain futures.
Pope Leo XIV also announced the canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassati, who passed away in 1925 at 24, to take place in St. Peter’s Square during the September ceremony. Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, who leads the Vatican’s saints department, described Frassati as an exemplary Christian role model.
As Pope Leo XIV leads the Catholic Church into new terrains of spiritual relevance, the canonization of Carlo Acutis underscores an embracing of youthful faith amid contemporary challenges.
Elisabetta Povoledo is an experienced journalist covering Italy, the Vatican, and cultural narratives in the region for over three decades.
