Italian teen set to be first millennial saint was 'ordinary child', says mother
- Victor Nwoko
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Carlo Acutis, a British-born Italian teenager known for his deep Catholic faith and skill in web development, will be canonized this month, becoming the first saint of the millennial generation. His elevation places him among revered figures such as Mother Teresa and Francis of Assisi.
Acutis, who died from leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15, was widely recognized for using his technological talents to build websites that promoted the Catholic faith. He learned several computer programming languages and created digital platforms for his parish and the broader Church community.
His mother, Antonia Salzano Acutis, described him as both extraordinary and relatable. “Carlo was an ordinary child like others. He used to play, to have friends, and to go to school. But his extraordinary quality was the fact that he opened the door of his heart to Jesus and put Jesus in the first place in his life,” she said. She noted that he used his tech skills to share the Gospel and inspire faith in others. “He wanted to help people to have more faith, to understand that there is an afterlife, that we are pilgrims in this world.”
Carlo’s body was moved to the hill town of Assisi in central Italy, in accordance with his final wishes. There, he was placed in a tomb with a wax likeness over his remains, dressed in his track jacket, jeans, and sneakers. The clear-sided casket has drawn growing numbers of visitors in the years since his death.
Tens of thousands are expected to attend the canonization ceremony in St. Peter’s Square on April 27. Although Pope Francis is still recovering from a serious case of double pneumonia, Vatican officials hope he will be well enough to preside.
Despite the global attention and reverence, Carlo’s appeal lies in his relatability. His mother recalled that he struggled with many of the same issues as other teenagers in the early 2000s, including fitting in at school. Yet he remained committed to helping those in need. “He was very severe with himself … If I wanted to buy two pairs of shoes, he said, no, one is sufficient,” she said, noting that he often encouraged his parents to donate to the poor.
His reputation for sanctity grew after his death, particularly with the Church’s recognition of miracles attributed to his intercession. One involved the healing of a four-year-old Brazilian boy with a severe pancreatic condition. Another case involved a 21-year-old Costa Rican woman who recovered after a bicycle accident left her near death. In both cases, the individuals’ mothers had prayed to Carlo for help.
Bishop Domenico Sorrentino, who leads the Catholic diocese of Assisi, emphasized the power of Carlo’s joyful faith. “The world is showing great interest for this young man,” he said. “I think that’s starting from his smile. When we are really convinced that we are saved by Jesus, we must be joyful, must be happy. Acutis succeeds in giving young people this image of the true Christian image.”
However, the growing devotion has led to some controversy. Purported relics of Acutis—described as parts of his clothing and even body—have been listed for sale online, including on auction platforms such as eBay. Sorrentino condemned the sales as “horrible” and has called on police to confiscate such items. The Catholic Church forbids the sale of relics, which are meant to aid in personal prayer and devotion.
In Assisi, young pilgrims continue to arrive in search of inspiration. Emanuele Iaquaniello, an 18-year-old from Frosinone, expressed admiration for Carlo’s strength and faith. “I felt great emotion at seeing a boy younger than me who lived a happy life despite his sickness. He was surely an example and a symbol of strength for all people, not just teens,” he said.
Lorenzo Dalia, also 18, from Monte San Giovanni Campano, was deeply moved by the experience. “I was left dumbfounded seeing such great faith at this age,” he said, after visiting the tomb of the soon-to-be canonized teenager.
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