"Holy Millennial: How Carlo Acutis Became the Patron of the Internet"

June 13, 2025 - The Vatican announced that on September 7, 2025, the canonization of Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager who will become the first saint from the millennial generation, will take place. This news confirms the unique path of the young Catholic, nicknamed "God's influencer" for his devotion to faith and use of modern technology to spread Christian values.

Life and spiritual journey

Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London to wealthy Italian parents Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Milan, where Carlo grew up. From an early age, he showed extraordinary religiosity, despite the fact that his parents were not particularly devout. By the age of seven, Carlo attended Mass daily and prayed the rosary, and by 12, he regularly participated in the Eucharist and confessed weekly.

His love for the Eucharist became a central part of his life. Carlo said: "The Eucharist is my highway to heaven," and his motto was: "All are born as originals, but many die as photocopies." He strived to live an authentic Christian life, helping the homeless, volunteering at a Franciscan soup kitchen, and mentoring children as a catechist at the Santa Maria Segreta parish in Milan.

"Patron of the Internet"

Carlo was passionate about computer science and, being self-taught, created websites for Catholic organizations. His most famous project was an online catalog of Eucharistic miracles, including 108 stories translated into multiple languages and presented as an exhibition that toured more than 10,000 parishes worldwide. This work made him a symbol of evangelization through the internet, earning him the nickname "patron of the internet."

Despite his religious activities, Carlo remained an ordinary teenager: he played the saxophone, enjoyed video games (limiting himself to two hours a week), loved soccer, and socializing with friends. His openness and kindness attracted people of different faiths, including Muslims and Hindus, who attended his funeral.

Illness and death

In 2006, Carlo was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. The disease progressed rapidly, and on October 12, 2006, at the age of 15, he died in Monza, Italy. Before his death, Carlo expressed his wish to be buried in Assisi, the city of Saint Francis, and dedicated his sufferings to the Pope and the Church.

Path to sainthood

Carlo's beatification process began in 2013 in the Archdiocese of Milan. In 2018, Pope Francis recognized his virtues, giving him the title of "Venerable," and in 2020, Carlo was beatified after the recognition of the first miracle - the healing of a Brazilian boy with a rare pancreatic disease.

The second miracle, recognized by the Vatican in May 2024, is related to the healing of a 21-year-old student from Costa Rica, Valeria Valverde. After a severe traumatic brain injury from a bicycle fall, she was in critical condition. Her mother's prayers at Carlo's tomb in Assisi led to Valeria's unexpected recovery, which doctors could not explain.

Canonization and legacy

The canonization of Carlo Acutis, scheduled for September 7, 2025, will be a landmark event for the Catholic Church, emphasizing that holiness is accessible even to young people in the digital age. His life inspires youth, showing how faith and technology can be combined for good purposes.

In 2023, a feature film about Carlo's life was announced, as well as a computer game "Acutis Game" dedicated to his story. His relics, kept in Assisi, attract pilgrims from around the world, although recently the Bishop of Assisi reported the illegal sale of relics on the internet, which prompted an investigation.

Carlo Acutis remains an example of how faith, kindness, and modern technology can transform the world. His story is a call to young people to live an "original" life, following Christ.