Carlo Acutis, a teenager known as “God’s influencer,” is set to become the Catholic Church’s first “millennial saint” after the Vatican approved his canonization. Despite passing away at the young age of 15 due to leukaemia in 2006, Acutis dedicated his life to spreading awareness of the Catholic faith and helping the less fortunate. Born in London to Italian parents, he spent most of his life in Milan and was known for his love of video games such as Halo, Super Mario, and Pokémon.
Acutis, often depicted in casual attire of jeans and trainers, earned the nickname “God’s influencer” for his online work and representation of the younger generation of Catholics. He created a website documenting miracles worldwide, attracting a large following. His mother, Antonia Salzano, highlighted Acutis’ commitment to helping the homeless from a young age and his selfless acts of charity, such as owning only one pair of shoes to donate money to the poor.
The process of becoming a saint typically takes several decades or even centuries, but Acutis has garnered immense popularity among Catholics. To be declared a saint, two miracles must be attributed to the candidate, which undergo rigorous examination by church authorities. Acutis was beatified in 2020 after a Brazilian boy’s miraculous healing, and a second miracle involved the recovery of a Costa Rican girl who prayed at Acutis’ tomb in Assisi.
Acutis’ journey to sainthood has been remarkably swift, with his cause initiated just six years after his passing. He was declared “Venerable” in 2018, “Blessed” in 2020, and is expected to be officially canonized during the Catholic Church’s jubilee celebrations in 2025. The Pope will formally declare Acutis a saint in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, establishing an annual feast day in his honor and potentially inspiring the naming of parishes and schools after him.
In a unique tribute to Acutis’ legacy, a project called The Acutis Game has been developed as the first Catholic open-world metaverse. This game will follow Acutis as he time travels through centuries, encountering saints and key figures in Catholic history while visiting Holy sites. Players can engage in various activities, including skiing as a young Pope John Paul II, offering a creative and immersive experience rooted in faith and history.
Carlo Acutis’ remarkable story serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication to the Catholic faith and his impact on a global scale. His upcoming canonization as a saint reflects the profound influence he continues to exert, inspiring believers and non-believers alike with his message of holiness and compassion. Through his example, Acutis embodies the timeless values of charity, devotion, and spiritual enlightenment, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends generations.